Three Georgia Bulldogs are selected in the first round of Mel Kiper Jr.’s NFL mock draft.
The University of Georgia has long been a powerhouse in college football, and as the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, it’s becoming increasingly clear that Georgia’s dominance is not limited to the collegiate level. Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN’s preeminent draft analyst, has released his latest first-round mock draft, and it includes three Georgia Bulldogs, a testament to the strength of the Bulldogs’ football program and its ability to produce top-tier talent year after year.
The 2025 draft class is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory, and Georgia’s contributions to that class are undeniable. With top-tier prospects who have been dominant forces in college football, the Bulldogs are poised to send multiple players to the NFL in the first round. These players have been integral parts of Georgia’s success, both in terms of individual performance and team achievements, and they are expected to continue making an impact at the next level.
In this article, we will break down the three Georgia Bulldogs who are projected to be selected in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft according to Mel Kiper Jr.’s mock draft, examining their strengths, college careers, and how they project to impact the NFL.
1. Jalen Carter – Defensive Tackle, Philadelphia Eagles (1st Overall)
Jalen Carter is a player who has captivated scouts and analysts alike throughout his career at the University of Georgia. As one of the most dominant and physically gifted defensive players in college football, Carter is viewed as a generational talent at the defensive tackle position. The consensus No. 1 overall pick in Mel Kiper Jr.’s mock draft, Carter is a force on the defensive line, combining elite athleticism, strength, and technique to disrupt offenses and change the course of games.
Carter’s journey to becoming the top overall pick began during his time at Georgia, where he was part of a historic defense that helped lead the Bulldogs to a national championship in 2021. He played a critical role in Georgia’s success, serving as the anchor of their defensive line. Carter’s ability to generate pressure on the quarterback, disrupt the running game, and clog up the middle made him an indispensable part of Georgia’s defense.
Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing around 310 pounds, Carter possesses a rare combination of size, strength, and quickness that makes him nearly impossible to block. His ability to penetrate the backfield and collapse the pocket has drawn comparisons to some of the best defensive tackles in recent NFL history. Additionally, his motor and leadership on and off the field are qualities that will endear him to any NFL team.
Projected NFL Impact: In the NFL, Carter’s versatility will allow him to play multiple positions along the defensive line, which will make him a valuable asset in both the 3-4 and 4-3 defensive schemes. His ability to disrupt the quarterback, stop the run, and create chaos in the backfield makes him a potential game-changer at the next level. As the likely No. 1 overall pick, Carter will be expected to step in immediately and become the centerpiece of a defensive front, with the potential to be an NFL Defensive Player of the Year candidate in the near future.
Carter’s impact will be felt in every aspect of the defense. He’ll be tasked with making life difficult for opposing quarterbacks, forcing fumbles, and stuffing the run, all while being a leader in the locker room. His physicality and work ethic are undeniable, and there’s little doubt that he’ll be a star in the NFL.
2. Brock Bowers – Tight End, Kansas City Chiefs (7th Overall)
Brock Bowers has been one of the most electrifying and versatile players in college football since his arrival at Georgia. Widely regarded as the top tight end prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft, Bowers is a rare combination of size, speed, and athleticism that makes him a nightmare matchup for opposing defenses. In Mel Kiper Jr.’s first-round mock draft, Bowers is projected to go No. 7 overall to the Kansas City Chiefs, a team that is always looking for dynamic playmakers to add to their high-powered offense.
Bowers has been a standout for Georgia since his freshman season, quickly earning a reputation as one of the best tight ends in college football. With his ability to line up both as a traditional tight end and in the slot, Bowers presents matchup problems for defenders who are unsure whether to put a linebacker or a defensive back on him. His 6-foot-4, 240-pound frame is perfect for a tight end, and his combination of speed and agility is what sets him apart. Bowers runs crisp routes, has excellent hands, and has the ability to stretch the field, making him a significant weapon in the passing game.
Bowers has been instrumental in Georgia’s offensive success, particularly in high-pressure situations. His clutch performances in the postseason, including his role in Georgia’s national championship runs, have solidified his place as one of the most valuable players in college football. He has the ability to make plays all over the field, whether it’s catching passes, blocking in the run game, or creating big plays after the catch.
Projected NFL Impact: At the next level, Bowers is expected to be a major contributor to any NFL offense. His skills as both a receiver and blocker make him a complete tight end, and his ability to line up in various positions will allow NFL teams to get creative with his usage. The Kansas City Chiefs, with their explosive offense and quarterback Patrick Mahomes, would be an ideal landing spot for Bowers, as his ability to make plays in the red zone and stretch the field would complement Mahomes’ skill set perfectly.
Bowers has the potential to be an immediate starter and a top weapon in the passing game. His combination of physicality, speed, and football IQ gives him the potential to be one of the top tight ends in the league from day one. With the Chiefs, Bowers would be part of an offense designed to utilize his dynamic playmaking ability, which could propel him into stardom early in his career.
3. Keely Ringo – Cornerback, Minnesota Vikings (15th Overall)
The third Georgia Bulldog projected to go in the first round of Mel Kiper Jr.’s mock draft is Keely Ringo, the lockdown cornerback who was a key member of Georgia’s national championship-winning defense. Ringo, who stands at 6-foot-2 and possesses remarkable speed and ball skills, has been one of the most highly touted cornerbacks in college football over the past few seasons. His ability to shut down receivers and make plays in the secondary has made him one of the top defensive prospects in the 2025 draft class.
Ringo’s rise to prominence began during his freshman year at Georgia, where he quickly became known for his ability to blanket wide receivers and contribute in a variety of coverage schemes. His ability to track the ball, make interceptions, and break up passes has made him a standout player for Georgia’s defense. He was instrumental in Georgia’s success, particularly in big games, and has proven himself to be a difference-maker on the field.
What sets Ringo apart from many other cornerbacks in this draft class is his combination of size, speed, and physicality. He’s able to match up with receivers of all sizes, whether they’re tall and physical or quick and elusive. Ringo is also a strong tackler and an intelligent football player who knows how to read offenses and position himself to make plays.
Projected NFL Impact: Ringo’s skills make him a natural fit for an NFL defense, where he can immediately contribute as a starting cornerback. In Mel Kiper Jr.’s mock draft, Ringo is projected to go No. 15 overall to the Minnesota Vikings, who are looking to bolster their secondary. With his size and speed, Ringo would be a perfect fit in Minnesota’s defensive scheme, where his ability to shut down top receivers and provide coverage flexibility would be invaluable.
Ringo’s ability to create turnovers, defend against both the pass and the run, and lock down opposing wide receivers will allow him to step into a major role immediately. His physicality and ability to win battles at the line of scrimmage will make him a key contributor in both man-to-man and zone coverage. With the Vikings’ focus on improving their defense, Ringo’s selection could immediately help solidify their pass defense and elevate their overall defensive unit.
