Former Georgia players are all over the Eagles defense as they get ready for the Super Bowl.
As Super Bowl 59 approaches, one of the most compelling narratives surrounding the Philadelphia Eagles is the emergence of their league-leading defense, a unit that has been anchored by multiple former Georgia Bulldogs. This Georgia football connection has not only contributed to the Eagles’ success during the 2024 season, but it also sets the stage for a dominant performance in the Super Bowl. With several key members of the Eagles defense having strong ties to the University of Georgia, these players bring a championship pedigree and a relentless drive that have made them some of the most impactful defenders in the NFL.
The Georgia Bulldogs, known for their elite defenses in recent years under head coach Kirby Smart, have been churning out NFL-caliber defensive players at an impressive rate. From dominating the SEC to securing back-to-back national championships, Georgia’s defense has become a pipeline to the NFL, and many of these players have found themselves in a prominent position to contribute to the Eagles’ Super Bowl run.
In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the role of these former Georgia players on the Eagles defense, their path from Athens to Philadelphia, and how their collective contributions have propelled the team to the NFL’s biggest stage. We will also examine how Georgia’s defensive philosophy, which has been refined over the years, is translating seamlessly to the NFL, especially in Philadelphia’s defensive scheme under defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon.
Georgia Bulldogs and Their Legacy of Defensive Excellence
Before diving into the individual players, it’s important to understand the foundation of the Georgia Bulldogs’ defensive dominance. Over the past few years, Georgia football has become synonymous with powerful, aggressive, and fundamentally sound defense. Under head coach Kirby Smart, the Bulldogs have built a defense that consistently ranks among the best in college football, with the 2021 and 2022 squads earning national championships, and the 2023 unit continuing to perform at an elite level.
Georgia’s defensive philosophy, which emphasizes speed, physicality, versatility, and high football IQ, has allowed the Bulldogs to dominate at the college level and develop players who are prepared to make an immediate impact in the NFL. Many of the defensive stars who contributed to Georgia’s title runs have been drafted by NFL teams, and their seamless transition to the professional level has only heightened Georgia’s reputation as a defensive powerhouse.
At Georgia, defensive players are coached to excel in all aspects of the game. Whether it’s pressuring the quarterback, stuffing the run, or playing sound coverage, Georgia’s defensive schemes are designed to produce well-rounded players who can make an impact on all three levels of the defense—defensive line, linebacker, and secondary.
Now, several of these Bulldogs have joined the Philadelphia Eagles, where they’ve quickly become integral parts of one of the NFL’s most dominant defensive units.
Key Georgia Players on the Eagles Defense
Jordan Davis: The Mammoth Force in the Middle
Perhaps the most well-known former Georgia player on the Eagles’ defense is defensive tackle Jordan Davis. Davis, a dominant presence on Georgia’s defensive line, was a cornerstone of the Bulldogs’ 2021 national championship defense. Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 341 pounds, Davis was an immovable force against the run, and his ability to disrupt the quarterback was a key reason for Georgia’s success on defense during their title run.
Davis was selected by the Eagles in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, and he has continued to live up to the hype as a professional. In his second season with Philadelphia, Davis has been an anchor on the defensive line, clogging running lanes and forcing opposing offenses to account for his presence on every snap. His rare combination of size, strength, and athleticism allows him to overpower offensive linemen and create havoc in the backfield.
Davis’ primary role is to be a run-stuffer, but he has also shown an ability to disrupt passing plays by collapsing the pocket. His impact on the game isn’t always reflected in flashy statistics, but his ability to draw double-teams and open up opportunities for other players is invaluable. As the Eagles prepare for Super Bowl 59, Davis will be crucial in neutralizing the opposing team’s running game and giving the defensive line the ability to put pressure on the quarterback.
Jalen Carter: The Rising Star on the Defensive Line
Jalen Carter is another former Georgia standout who has made a significant impact on the Eagles’ defense. Carter was one of the most dominant defensive players in college football during his time at Georgia, earning All-American honors and helping lead the Bulldogs to back-to-back national championships in 2022 and 2023. Known for his quickness, explosiveness, and versatility, Carter was considered one of the top prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft and was selected by the Eagles to strengthen their already stout defensive line.
As a rookie, Carter has immediately made his mark in Philadelphia. His combination of size and agility has allowed him to disrupt both the run and the pass, providing the Eagles with a well-rounded defensive lineman capable of wreaking havoc in multiple ways. Carter has a relentless motor and a natural ability to collapse the pocket, making him a dangerous force for any quarterback. His presence alongside Davis has created one of the most formidable defensive tackle duos in the league.
In Super Bowl 59, Carter will be tasked with getting after the opposing quarterback and helping to stifle the running game. His ability to generate pressure and make plays in the backfield will be crucial to the Eagles’ success on defense.
Nakobe Dean: The Leader in the Linebacking Corps
While the defensive line has been critical to the Eagles’ success, the linebacker position has also been bolstered by the addition of Nakobe Dean, another former Georgia standout. Dean was the heart and soul of Georgia’s defense during their championship runs, earning national recognition for his leadership, intelligence, and playmaking ability. As one of the most instinctive and cerebral linebackers in college football, Dean was an essential part of Georgia’s success and was drafted by the Eagles in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Dean’s role in Philadelphia has been as the quarterback of the defense. His ability to read the offense, diagnose plays, and communicate adjustments has made him a key leader in the linebacker room. Dean has an incredible understanding of the game, and his instincts allow him to make plays all over the field. Whether it’s blitzing the quarterback, covering tight ends, or stopping the run, Dean is an all-around linebacker who excels at a variety of tasks.
In the Eagles’ 2024 season, Dean has stepped into a starting role and been instrumental in the team’s defensive success. His leadership and football IQ have made him one of the most reliable players on the defense, and his ability to make plays in critical situations has earned him the trust of his coaches and teammates. As the Eagles prepare for Super Bowl 59, Dean’s ability to read the game and make key tackles will be crucial to their defensive game plan.
Devonte Wyatt: The Unseen Contributor
Another former Georgia Bulldog contributing to the Eagles’ defense is Devonte Wyatt, a defensive tackle who played a significant role in Georgia’s championship defense. Wyatt, known for his quickness and ability to disrupt plays in the backfield, was drafted by the Eagles in the 2023 NFL Draft, bringing added depth to an already loaded defensive line.
Although Wyatt’s contributions may not be as high-profile as Davis or Carter, his ability to rotate in and out of the game has been invaluable to the Eagles’ success. As part of a deep defensive line rotation, Wyatt’s fresh legs and relentless pursuit of the ball make him an ideal asset to keep opposing offenses on their toes. His ability to collapse the pocket and pressure the quarterback will help the Eagles’ defense continue its dominance during Super Bowl 59.
Georgia’s Defensive Influence on the Eagles’ Scheme
The success of the Eagles’ defense can also be attributed to the coaching and scheme that has been implemented by defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon. Gannon has emphasized a flexible, aggressive defensive system that allows players to use their natural talents while also creating confusion for opposing offenses. This system has allowed the Georgia players to thrive, as their ability to adapt to different defensive schemes aligns perfectly with the versatility they developed under Kirby Smart at Georgia.
The principles taught at Georgia—such as speed, pursuit, and relentless pressure—have seamlessly transitioned to the Eagles’ defense. Whether it’s putting pressure on the quarterback or ensuring solid run defense, the former Bulldogs on the Eagles’ roster have executed the defensive game plan with precision.
Moreover, the leadership qualities that many of these players exhibited at Georgia have translated well to the NFL. Players like Nakobe Dean bring a veteran presence to the defense, while younger stars like Jalen Carter bring an energy and intensity that helps to fuel the entire unit. Together, they have helped to establish the Eagles as the top defense in the league.
Super Bowl 59: The Ultimate Stage for Georgia-Born Eagles
As the Eagles prepare for Super Bowl 59, their defense—led by the Georgia Bulldogs who helped make it one of the most dominant units in the NFL—will be a focal point of their strategy. The defense’s ability to pressure the quarterback, stop the run, and create turnovers will be critical in determining the outcome of the game. With players like Jordan Davis, Jalen Carter, Nakobe Dean, and Devonte Wyatt, the Eagles’ defense is primed to be a force that can potentially change the course of the game.
The Georgia connection on the Eagles’ defense is not just a fun storyline—it’s a testament to the excellence of Georgia football and its ability to develop players who succeed at the highest levels. With the Super Bowl in their sights, the former Georgia players on the Eagles’ defense will be looking to make their mark and contribute to securing the NFL’s ultimate prize for their team.
