Gunner Stockton’s NFL draft projections may come as a surprise to fans, as the Georgia quarterback is largely absent from most mock drafts. Currently, Stockton is expected to return to Georgia for the 2026 season, though he has yet to make an official announcement about his future.
Dawgs fans might have received a subtle hint about Stockton’s plans when Jared Curtis, the nation’s No. 1 quarterback in the 2026 recruiting class, flipped his commitment from Georgia to Vanderbilt. It is believed that Curtis sought immediate playing time in the upcoming college football season, and Stockton’s presence at Georgia would have made that opportunity difficult to come by.
### A Late-Round NFL Draft Projection
There is, however, one NFL mock draft that projects Stockton as a potential late-round pick. FanSided’s Patrick Rifino predicts that the Philadelphia Eagles will select Stockton in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. In Rifino’s November 27, 2025, article titled *“Eagles signal end of A. J. Brown with shocking 2026 mock draft,”* he writes:
> “Stockton walked during Georgia’s Senior Day, which sparked discussion about whether he would use his final year of eligibility. I wouldn’t have the Eagles going back-to-back years of drafting a developmental quarterback; however, with Kyle McCord nestled on the practice squad and not wowing the staff, it wouldn’t surprise me to see Philadelphia draft a late-round QB. The Eagles also have Sam Howell, who is a free agent after the season, and Tanner McKee, who has one more year left on his rookie contract.”
### Gunner Stockton’s NFL Draft Rumors: Undrafted or Late-Round Pick?
While Stockton is widely expected to return to Georgia for the 2026 season, his decision to walk during Senior Day raises questions about his future in Athens. The smart money remains on Stockton being the Dawgs’ starting quarterback in 2026. Still, a strong performance in the College Football Playoff could improve his draft stock considerably.
For now, Stockton is largely projected to go undrafted in most 2026 NFL mock drafts, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding his professional prospects.
### Could the Eagles Be a Fit for Gunner Stockton?
If Stockton decides to declare for the 2026 NFL Draft, the Philadelphia Eagles could be an interesting landing spot. Fresh off a Super Bowl run, Jalen Hurts is firmly established as the Eagles’ franchise quarterback, currently signed to a five-year, $255 million contract through 2028.
Stockton could serve as a valuable developmental quarterback learning behind Hurts. With Kyle McCord on the practice squad and limited impact, plus Sam Howell approaching free agency and Tanner McKee still under contract for one more year, adding a late-round quarterback like Stockton makes sense for the Eagles’ long-term plans.
### Heading Into the College Football Playoff
After Georgia’s comeback victory over Tennessee, head coach Kirby Smart shared insights on what makes Gunner Stockton so special. As the Dawgs prepare for the upcoming playoff, all eyes will be on Stockton’s performance and how it might influence his future both at Georgia and beyond.
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Stay tuned for more updates on Gunner Stockton’s collegiate and NFL journey as the 2026 draft approaches.
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