Mel Kiper Jr.’s NFL Draft Big Board on ESPN is dominated by Georgia football.
Every year, the NFL Draft generates a wave of excitement as prospects from all over the country vie for the chance to be selected by one of 32 NFL teams. For many, the draft process begins with Mel Kiper Jr.’s Big Board, a comprehensive ranking of the top NFL prospects, which serves as a roadmap for scouts, coaches, and executives as they evaluate potential talent. Kiper, a longtime ESPN analyst, has been a leading voice in draft analysis for decades, and his Big Board carries significant weight in the football world.
This year, one dominant theme stands out in Kiper’s rankings: the sheer number of Georgia football players who are featured prominently on the list. The Georgia Bulldogs, under head coach Kirby Smart, have become a powerhouse program in college football, consistently producing top-tier NFL talent. In fact, the 2025 draft cycle appears to be one of Georgia’s most successful in terms of the number of Bulldogs projected to be drafted highly. From offensive playmakers to dominant defensive forces, Georgia players have a major presence on Kiper’s Big Board, reflecting the talent and depth of the program.
The Rise of Georgia Football Under Kirby Smart
Before we dive into the specifics of Mel Kiper Jr.’s Big Board, it’s important to understand why Georgia has become such a dominant force in college football in recent years. Head coach Kirby Smart, who took the reins of the program in 2016, has built a culture of excellence at Georgia, and his success has translated directly into the NFL Draft.
Georgia has become synonymous with elite player development. Under Smart, the Bulldogs have won national championships, dominated the SEC, and consistently produced first-round NFL Draft picks. Smart’s coaching staff, including offensive and defensive coordinators, has been instrumental in developing players to reach their maximum potential, especially in terms of NFL readiness. Not only has Georgia been a powerhouse on the field, but its reputation for producing NFL talent has made it one of the most attractive programs for high school recruits looking to develop into professional football players.
This success at the collegiate level has naturally translated into the NFL Draft process. Each year, Georgia players consistently top Kiper’s Big Board, with both offensive and defensive stars making their presence felt. The 2025 NFL Draft cycle is no different, as multiple Georgia players are expected to be selected early in the draft, with several ranked among the top players in the country.
Mel Kiper Jr.’s NFL Draft Big Board and Georgia’s Dominance
Kiper’s Big Board is a detailed ranking of the top 25 NFL Draft prospects, and for 2025, Georgia football players dominate the list. The Bulldogs have produced players who are ranked highly not just for their college success but also for their physical attributes, work ethic, and potential at the professional level. Kiper’s ranking highlights just how far Georgia has come in terms of producing NFL-ready talent.
As of January 2025, Georgia has several players featured prominently on Kiper’s Big Board. These players have earned recognition based on their college performances, physical profiles, and the impact they’ve made on the field. Let’s take a look at some of the most notable Georgia players who are dominating Kiper’s rankings and why they have earned such high praise.
Top Georgia Players on Mel Kiper Jr.’s Big Board
1. Jalen Carter – Defensive Tackle
One of the most dominant and highly touted players on Kiper’s Big Board is defensive tackle Jalen Carter. Carter has been a force for Georgia’s defense for several years, earning All-American honors and helping lead the Bulldogs to national championships. At 6’3” and 310 pounds, Carter combines elite size, strength, and agility, making him one of the most disruptive defensive players in the country.
Carter’s ability to impact the game in multiple ways has made him a top prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft. He has the power to shed blockers and collapse the pocket, while his quickness allows him to make plays in the backfield. With his blend of strength and athleticism, Carter is projected to be a top-five pick in the draft, with many analysts considering him the best defensive player available.
Carter’s dominance at Georgia is a direct reflection of the talent that Smart has cultivated in the program. His exceptional ability to disrupt plays in the middle of the defensive line has earned him comparisons to some of the best interior defenders in the NFL. Given his physical attributes and his game-changing ability, it’s no surprise that Kiper has him among the top players in the draft.
2. Brock Vandagriff – Quarterback
While Georgia is known for its defense, the program has also produced high-caliber quarterbacks in recent years. One of the most exciting quarterback prospects in the 2025 draft class is Brock Vandagriff, Georgia’s signal caller. Vandagriff, who has been groomed behind Carson Beck, has all the tools to be an elite NFL quarterback. Standing at 6’4” and weighing 220 pounds, Vandagriff has a strong arm, excellent mobility, and the ability to make plays both in the pocket and on the run.
Vandagriff’s time at Georgia has been relatively limited, but he has shown flashes of brilliance when given the opportunity. His success at Georgia, paired with his physical traits, has earned him a spot on Kiper’s Big Board as one of the top quarterbacks in the 2025 draft. While still working to refine his decision-making and consistency, Vandagriff’s potential as a dual-threat quarterback is undeniable.
The opportunity to play for a program like Georgia, which emphasizes both offensive balance and strong quarterback play, has set Vandagriff up for a potentially successful transition to the NFL. He’s a player to watch closely in the coming months as he looks to solidify his draft stock.
3. Ladd McConkey – Wide Receiver
Ladd McConkey has quietly become one of the most productive wide receivers for the Georgia Bulldogs in recent years, and his name is making its way onto Kiper’s Big Board. McConkey’s impressive work ethic and consistency on the field have made him a key playmaker in Georgia’s high-powered offense. With excellent route-running ability and great hands, McConkey has developed into a reliable target for quarterbacks like Carson Beck and Brock Vandagriff.
At 6’0” and 185 pounds, McConkey may not have the prototypical size of an elite NFL wide receiver, but his quickness and ability to create separation make him a dangerous asset in the passing game. McConkey’s ability to make plays after the catch, combined with his reliability as a chain-mover, has made him a favorite of both Georgia’s coaching staff and NFL scouts.
Given his continued development and production at Georgia, McConkey is expected to be one of the top wide receivers in the 2025 draft. His skill set, combined with his experience in big-game situations, makes him a well-rounded prospect capable of contributing to an NFL offense early in his career.
4. Kelee Ringo – Cornerback
Kelee Ringo is another standout on Georgia’s defense who is poised to make an impact in the 2025 NFL Draft. Ringo, a 6’2”, 210-pound cornerback, has been one of the best shutdown corners in college football over the past few years. His size, speed, and ability to cover top wide receivers make him a highly sought-after prospect for NFL teams looking to bolster their secondary.
Ringo’s elite ball skills, along with his ability to lock down opposing receivers, have made him one of the top cornerbacks in college football. He possesses excellent anticipation and the ability to make plays on the ball, which has earned him comparisons to some of the best cornerbacks in the NFL.
Ringo’s development under Kirby Smart has made him a polished and refined cornerback, ready to compete at the highest level. With his physical tools and proven track record, Ringo is projected to be a first-round pick and one of the top defensive backs in the draft.
5. Broderick Jones – Offensive Tackle
Another key player on Georgia’s Big Board is offensive tackle Broderick Jones, who has been a mainstay on the Bulldogs’ dominant offensive line. At 6’4” and 315 pounds, Jones has the ideal size and athleticism to protect an NFL quarterback’s blindside. His powerful frame and excellent technique make him one of the top offensive linemen available in the 2025 draft.
Jones has been integral to Georgia’s offensive success, excelling both in the run game and in pass protection. His ability to neutralize elite pass rushers while maintaining balance in the running game has made him a cornerstone of Georgia’s offensive line. NFL teams looking to solidify their line will have their eyes on Jones, who is projected to go in the first round.
