Differing views on UGA RB Nick Chubb in way-too-early 2018 NFL draft projections

One reason Georgia’s 2017 NFL draft class was so small is the number of underclassmen that chose to return that will be available in the 2018 NFL draft.

Several are showing up already on the projected draft lists for next year already published days after this year’s selections wrapped up.

Running back Nick Chubb is on some of the first round lists but left off others.

SI.com’s Chris Burke pegs three running backs—Penn State’s Saquon Barkley, Oregon’s Royce Freeman and LSU’s Derrius Guice—in his first round but not Chubb.

CBSSports.com’s Rob Rang places the Bulldogs’ senior at No. 27 in his mock draft ordered by Super Bowl odds. Pro Football Focus’ Steve Palazzolo slots Chubb at No. 23 in his mock draft to the Giants and Fox Sports’ Dieter Kurtenbach has Chubb at No. 32 to the Patriots.

“Expect a bounce back next season as at Chubb’s best, he runs with power and speed while maximizing what the offensive line gives him on every run,” Palazzolo wrote.

Matt Miller of Bleacher Report came up with a “Way-Too-Early Initial Rankings,” that has a top 50 list with two Georgia players on it, none named Chubb.

Outside linebacker Davin Bellamy is No. 37 and running back Sony Michel is No. 38. Like Chubb, they chose to return after their junior seasons.

Miller lists Michel No. 3 on his running backs list and Chubb at No. 6.

Chubb also falls into a category for biggest question mark among running backs for his knee injury, which ended his 2015 season early.

Palazzolo also has junior defensive tackle Trenton Thompson going at No. 32 to the Patriots.

Thompson withdrew from classes this spring due to an unspecified medical issue but is expected to return to the team this season.

“If Thompson can improve as a pass-rusher, he’ll certainly be in the first-round mix, but even as an early-down run stopper, he’s a valuable piece for a New England defense that thrives in winning in the trenches on early downs,” Palazzolo wrote.

Bellamy is the No. 5 edge rusher. Outside linebacker Lorenzo Carter isn’t on the top 10 in that group but is at No. 61 overall as a second round pick on the Fox Sports list.

The only other Georgia player listed by Miller is Dominick Sanders at No. 10 among the safeties.

Georgia’s only draft pick this year was fifth-round returner/receiver Isaiah McKenzie by Denver.

These 2018 lists indicate the Bulldogs will have a more typical draft class it is accustomed to next season.

Of course, these projections aren’t the gospel and probably aren’t meant to be.

Auburn outside linebacker Carl Lawson was the No. 2 overall projection by Miller for 2017 and went in the fourth round. Miami quarterback Brad Kaaya was No. 4 and went in the sixth round.

Five of his top 10 projections did pan out as first round picks. That includes defensive end Myles Garrett who was pegged as No. 5 and went No. 1 overall and running backs Leonard Fournette and Christian McCaffery who were top 10 overall picks.