Summer scouting for the 2027 NFL Draft is heating up, and Georgia Bulldogs offensive tackle Earnest Greene III is quickly becoming a name every scout has on their radar. Standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 315 pounds, the rising junior (projected 2027 draft eligibility) has the raw tools to be a Day 1 pick if he continues his current trajectory.
Who Is Earnest Greene III?
Earnest Greene III joined the Georgia Bulldogs as a 4-star recruit out of IMG Academy in Florida, turning down offers from Alabama, Ohio State, and LSU to play in Athens. After redshirting his first year on campus, he broke into the starting lineup in 2024, starting 12 games at right tackle for the Bulldogs’ College Football Playoff run.
2027 Summer Scouting: Core Strengths
Elite Size and Frame
Greene checks every box for the modern NFL tackle prototype. At 6-foot-5 and 315 pounds, he has the length to keep edge rushers at bay, with 34-inch arms that let him disrupt pass rush lanes before defenders can get into his frame.
Run Blocking Prowess
Georgia’s run-heavy scheme has been the perfect fit for Greene’s physical style. He consistently drives defenders off the ball in zone and gap schemes, finishing blocks with violence that has earned him a reputation as one of the SEC’s most reliable run blockers.
Pass Protection Footwork
Greene’s kick slide is smooth and controlled, rarely getting caught off balance by speed rushers. He mirrors edge moves well in tight pockets, and his recovery speed when beaten off the snap is above average for a tackle his age.
Areas for Improvement
Like most underclassmen tackles, Greene has gaps to close before he’s a finished product. Key areas scouts are watching:
- Hand placement: Occasionally lets his hands drift outside defenders’ pads, leading to holding penalties (he had 4 in 2024).
- Consistency vs. speed-to-power: Struggles a bit when smaller edge rushers convert speed into power, getting pushed back into the quarterback.
- Second-level blocking: Needs to improve his ability to locate and engage linebackers on screen passes and outside runs.
2027 NFL Draft Outlook
Current 2027 mock drafts have Greene projected as a top-20 pick if he declares after the 2026 season. His combination of SEC experience, elite size, and room to grow makes him a dream project for NFL offensive line coaches.
Scouts compare his skillset to a young Lane Johnson, with similar length and foot quickness. If he cleans up his hand placement issues and adds more core strength, he could push for a top-10 selection in 2027.
What to Watch in 2026
Greene’s junior season (2026) will be the make-or-break year for his draft stock. Key things to track:
- Reduction in holding penalties (target: fewer than 2 in 2026).
- Improved pass protection against elite SEC edge rushers like Alabama’s top defensive ends.
- Versatility to play both left and right tackle, which would boost his value to NFL teams.
Final Take on Earnest Greene III
Earnest Greene III is exactly the type of offensive tackle prospect NFL teams covet: high-upside, physically gifted, and already producing in a power conference. While he’s not a finished product yet, his 2027 summer scouting report paints the picture of a future franchise left tackle.
For Georgia fans, he’s a key piece of the Bulldogs’ 2026 title push. For NFL scouts, he’s a name to watch closely as the 2027 draft cycle heats up.
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