Georgia

2025 NFL Draft Prospect Profile: Georgia IOL Jared Wilson

Published

1 year ago

April 23, 2025

It’s shaping up to be a trench-heavy draft class for the Cincinnati Bengals—which is just fine, given the physical nature of the AFC North. While the defense needs a lot of work, Cincinnati will undoubtedly look to bolster parts of their offensive line this weekend.

It’s no secret that the Bengals love incoming rookies who played for the Georgia Bulldogs. David Pollack, Odell Thurman, Geno Atkins, A.J. Green, and Amarius Mims are just some of the high picks the club has made with that pedigree—and they may look to the SEC powerhouse again in this year’s draft.

Jared Wilson is a decorated center with a number of high-end athletic traits. The question with Wilson isn’t whether he can be a capable center at the next level, but whether he can also be an effective guard if needed.

Jared Wilson

Height: 6’3”
Weight: 310
Age: 21
Year: Redshirt Junior
Hometown: Winston-Salem, NC
RAS:

Background

Wilson exited high school as a three-star prospect and the No. 20 offensive guard in the nation. He committed to Georgia and was part of the team’s immense success during his first two seasons with the Bulldogs—both National Championship campaigns.

His collegiate career reached the next level when he began starting for Georgia in 2023, culminating in a Second-Team All-SEC selection this past season.

Wilson impressed many during the pre-draft process, particularly with his RAS metrics. He should hear his name called by the end of Night Two of the draft, if not sooner.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Athleticism, quickness, pass protection, and the ability to recover from “losses” are all big pluses with Wilson. They stand out in his athletic profile, and the tape shows a player with quick feet and solid football acumen.

While all of those traits are coveted at the next level, there are questions about his ability to consistently hold up against NFL defensive linemen. Oddly enough, given the title of this subsection, “strength” is a major concern for Wilson.

Some question his ability to gain leverage in the run game at the NFL level, and there are criticisms about his initial “punch” at first contact. His below-average bench press reps in pre-draft workouts didn’t do much to quiet those concerns.

Potential versatility is a lesser concern, but the strength issue also impacts his projected ability to play guard in the NFL. Regardless, Wilson’s experience in the SEC and the daily grind of the notoriously tough Bulldogs practices make him an appealing prospect.

Outlook

When it comes to the Bengals, they often favor players with positional versatility—or those who may lack certain physical traits at a specific spot that worked in college but won’t translate to the same role in the pros. This approach has produced mixed results for Cincinnati at best, but maximizing the roster is key to building a championship-caliber NFL team.

Some believe Wilson is a “center-only” player, which may not endear him to the Bengals’ staff, even with the Georgia connection. New offensive line coach Scott Peters would likely need to be convinced that Wilson can initially play guard before eventually becoming the heir apparent to Ted Karras at center (unless Matt Lee is part of the long-term plan).

The one point that often gets brought up with Tate Ratledge and a potential Bengals connection is the same that could be said for Wilson. If Mims is a future franchise tackle—and he looks every bit the part entering Year Two—the familiarity he would have with a former teammate is worth noting.

Cincinnati needs help on the interior offensive line. Karras is steady but nearing the end of his career, so Wilson could make sense on Night Two if other needs are met. And with the Bengals’ offense being more pass-oriented, an interior pass-protector like Wilson should pique the team’s interest.

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Georgia

Georgia cops’ alleged misuse of Flock license plate tracking data fuels privacy concerns

Published

4 hours ago

July 10, 2026

Press Room

Georgia cops’ alleged misuse of Flock license plate tracking data fuels privacy concerns

Georgia Flock cameras spark widespread misuse fears

ATLANTA – At least ten police officers across Georgia have been arrested and charged with misusing the Flock camera database for personal reasons, adding to growing privacy concerns about the technology.

The cameras, usually mounted to a black pole, record license plates and other data of whoever passes them.

Georgia police database tracking

What we know:

A series of recent arrests has exposed the misuse of Flock license-plate-reading cameras by police officers throughout the state.

In Greene County, Deputy Quin’sha Goss was fired on Tuesday and charged with misusing the system.

The recent arrests include five police officers in Albany, who were also charged earlier this week.

That’s alongside a lieutenant, a sergeant and a deputy in Cherokee County charged last month with violating their oath.

System audits flag searches

What they’re saying:

Flock Co-founder Paige Todd stated that many recent arrests resulted from departments utilizing a new audit assistance tool that automatically flags unusual searches.

“In this case where misuse happened, the technology itself was not creating the misuse. It was it was human beings,” Todd told FOX 5’s Rob DiRienzo.

Todd argued that the public safety benefits of the technology heavily outweigh individual instances of human misconduct.

Todd explained, “best way to prevent misuse is now, every member of law enforcement out there knows that this audit exists,”

Todd added that the system has successfully helped track down thousands of individuals across the country.

“We, I believe, solve about a million crimes with our technology,” she said. “10,000 missing people have gone home because of it. This feels like pretty small in comparison.”

Privacy concerns trigger pushback

The other side:

The ACLU of Georgia called the incidents a critical wakeup call regarding constitutional protections and tracking limits. Christopher Bruce of the ACLU of Georgia said, “Jeopardizing your civil rights and civil liberties is never just an unfortunate event. You have constitutional rights, especially a right to privacy. And the question is who polices the police?”

Information security analyst Peter Tran noted that the network relies heavily on automated data collection.

“It uses AI,” Tran said.

Tran said many are uneased by the logging searchable personal data into a nationwide database.

“It becomes a privacy and security issue. So, you’re whereabouts where you shopped, your name, your address,” he said.

SEE ALSO: Dunwoody sets ‘guardrails’ for Flock surveillance cameras use

The blowback has prompted dozens of U.S. communities to end their contracts.

Videos have circulated on social media instructing people how to tear them down or disable them.

In Barrow County, the sheriff said three Flock cameras were recently damaged there.

The sheriff said damage to the devices could be considered a felony.

The Source: The information in this story is based on original reporting by FOX 5’s Rob DiRienzo, who interviewed Flock co-founder Paige Todd, ACLU of Georgia representative Christopher Bruce, and security analyst Peter Tran, as well as tracking data from local sheriff offices.

GeorgiaCrime and Public SafetyTechnologyCherokee CountyNews

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Georgia

West Nile infections starting to raise concerns in Georgia

Published

14 hours ago

July 9, 2026

Press Room

West Nile infections starting to raise concerns in Georgia

ATLANTA, Ga. — Positive mosquito samples for West Nile virus have been found in Fulton County, according to the Board of Health.

Officials say the samples came from the Grant Park area and that infected mosquitoes are suspected to be present in the city of Atlanta.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report this year’s West Nile infections are the highest since 2004. The disease has been transmitted by mosquitoes, with reported cases in 23 states. Most of the reported cases are considered severe.

Health officials suggest using an insect repellent registered with the EPA. Wearing long, loose-fitting clothing is also recommended.

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Georgia

Travel and Leisure listed unique experiences in each state, including GA

Published

1 day ago

July 9, 2026

Press Room

Travel and Leisure listed unique experiences in each state, including GA

It can be hard to find a truly unique experience for your next vacation. That’s where Travel + Leisure comes in.

Back in May, members of the publication’s team created a list in celebration of America’s 250th Fourth of July, highlighting a unique experience in each state “from hidden gems to iconic highlights and editor-approved favorites.”

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Most unique experience in Georgia

The Georgia spot highlighted was the World of Quercus. Here’s what writer Lydia Mansel said about it:

“The 3,800-acre property, dotted with pecan groves and cabins, isn’t your run-of-the-mill retreat. Guests are encouraged to roam the land by golf cart or on foot, visit the biodynamic vegetable garden, fish the Flint River, and connect with the ranch’s horses. Owned by Chiara Visconti di Modrone and her husband Angelos Pervanas, Quercus is a place where relaxation comes in many forms—and you can design your experience to fit your pace and preferences.”