KJ Bolden — 2027 NFL Mock Draft Roundup 1.0

Another absurd athlete from Georgia to fill out Howie Roseman's defense.

Bolden is an instinctive and intelligent safety, which is why he's tasked with being the communicator on the back end of Georgia's defense. Despite his slight frame (6-foot, 185 pounds), Bolden isn't afraid to run the alley and crash down in run support. He's able to play multiple secondary spots and has good ball skills. The Eagles lost Reed Blankenship in free agency and didn't pick a safety until Round 7 last week, so Bolden could be a nice fit.

The top-ranked safety at this point in the process, Bolden lacks ideal size, but he makes plays in the run game and in coverage (he also had a blocked punt in 2025).

A former five-star and steady contributor in Kirby Smart's defense, Bolden brings the run-pass versatility and instincts demanded of a first-round safety. While this may be a bit rich, his football intelligence and ability to play multiple spots in the secondary should strengthen his case.

Bolden is currently the top safety in next year's class. He already has two years of high-quality play in Kirby Smart's defense and took a step forward against the run this past season, earning a 91.3 PFF run-defense grade. Bolden does everything well, and while he may not possess the same hype or versatility as Caleb Downs, the gap between the two prospects is not significant.