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Georgia has a storied history of producing top-level defenders for the NFL, and as of late, those players have come from the secondary. In recent years, Georgia has sent Kamari Lassister, Javon Bullard, and Malaki Starks to the league, and next up very well could be KJ Bolden. Bolden is projected as the top safety in the class, and for good reason.
What does his 2027 summer scouting report look like? Let's talk about it.
Being able to seamlessly transition from Malaka Starks to KJ Bolden is an embarrassment of riches from Kirby Smart. Bolden's first year as the full-time starter was excellent, totaling 76 tackles, five passes defended and two interceptions. Bolden has true sideline-to-sideline speed, covering a ton of field in the blink of an eye. Love his eyes; very disciplined in where he looks and is not shaken off easily. Closing speed is next level, wrapping up in the open field with the best of them. When playing down in the box or as a nickel corner, his backpedal is smooth, good pad level, fluid hips to turn on go routes or out-breaking routes. Timing is a plus for when to make a play on the ball.
There is some concern about his frame and how he might match up against NFL tight ends on seam routes. His slender frame isn't ideal for safety at the next level, so it will be interesting to see if he comes into the season a little heavier with more muscle mass. While he does have great closing speed, he wouldn't have to showcase it as much if he didn't give so much wiggle room underneath. Angles need to be tighter when attacking the ball carrier in the open field. Some may not love his lack of starting experience, but he earned SEC All-Freshman honors for his play, so it wouldn't be a concern to me.
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: 2027 Summer Scouting Report on Georgia S KJ Bolden
Continue reading...
What does his 2027 summer scouting report look like? Let's talk about it.
- Height: 6'0"
- Weight: 185 lbs
- Recruiting rank: Five-star, no. 1 Safety nationally
- Hometown: Buford, Georgia
- Games watched: Georgia Tech, Ole Miss, Texas
Being able to seamlessly transition from Malaka Starks to KJ Bolden is an embarrassment of riches from Kirby Smart. Bolden's first year as the full-time starter was excellent, totaling 76 tackles, five passes defended and two interceptions. Bolden has true sideline-to-sideline speed, covering a ton of field in the blink of an eye. Love his eyes; very disciplined in where he looks and is not shaken off easily. Closing speed is next level, wrapping up in the open field with the best of them. When playing down in the box or as a nickel corner, his backpedal is smooth, good pad level, fluid hips to turn on go routes or out-breaking routes. Timing is a plus for when to make a play on the ball.
There is some concern about his frame and how he might match up against NFL tight ends on seam routes. His slender frame isn't ideal for safety at the next level, so it will be interesting to see if he comes into the season a little heavier with more muscle mass. While he does have great closing speed, he wouldn't have to showcase it as much if he didn't give so much wiggle room underneath. Angles need to be tighter when attacking the ball carrier in the open field. Some may not love his lack of starting experience, but he earned SEC All-Freshman honors for his play, so it wouldn't be a concern to me.
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: 2027 Summer Scouting Report on Georgia S KJ Bolden
Continue reading...
