Former Georgia players are all over the Eagles defense as they get ready for the Super Bowl.

The Philadelphia Eagles’ defense has been one of the most dominant units in the NFL this season, and one of the key reasons for their success is the presence of several former Georgia Bulldogs on their roster. As the Eagles prepare for the Super Bowl, the connection between Georgia’s powerhouse defense and Philadelphia’s elite unit is impossible to ignore. The success of Georgia’s football program under head coach Kirby Smart has produced a slew of talented defenders, many of whom are now making significant impacts in the NFL, including on the Eagles’ roster.

Several players who were instrumental in Georgia’s national championship-winning teams have joined the Eagles, bringing their championship pedigree and tough, disciplined defensive play to Philadelphia. These players, many of whom were drafted early in recent NFL drafts, have quickly made their mark on the Eagles’ defense, helping elevate it to the top of the league. The blend of experience, youthful energy, and an ingrained understanding of top-tier defensive schemes has made for a perfect match.

In this article, we’ll explore how former Georgia players are all over the Eagles’ defense, contributing to one of the most formidable units in the NFL as they prepare for the Super Bowl.

The Rise of Georgia’s Defensive Dynasty

Before diving into the specific players, it’s important to understand the background that made Georgia’s defense one of the best in college football. Under Kirby Smart, a former Alabama defensive coordinator, Georgia became known for its rugged, relentless defense. The Bulldogs’ defensive units dominated college football in recent years, particularly in 2021 and 2022, when Georgia won back-to-back national championships.

The foundation of Georgia’s defense was built around a mix of elite pass rushers, outstanding linebackers, and an impenetrable secondary. These players were well-coached, highly skilled, and had a strong understanding of how to execute in Smart’s defensive system. Many of these players would go on to be selected in the first rounds of the NFL Draft, where they quickly made their mark on the professional level.

Georgia to Philadelphia: Key Players on the Eagles Defense

The link between Georgia and Philadelphia became especially noticeable as several Bulldogs made their way to the Eagles’ roster. Some of the most impactful players on the Eagles’ defense this season are former Georgia standouts. Their familiarity with Smart’s defensive schemes and their championship mentality have proven to be invaluable assets for the Eagles, particularly as they head into the Super Bowl.

1. Jalen Carter – Defensive Tackle

Jalen Carter, one of the top prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft, made headlines as a key contributor on Georgia’s national championship teams. His versatility and ability to disrupt both the passing and running game made him a nightmare for opposing offenses. Carter was an anchor in the middle of the Bulldogs’ defense, and his strength, agility, and technique earned him a reputation as one of the top defensive tackles in college football.

When the Eagles selected Carter with the 9th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, they knew they were getting a game-changer. In his rookie season, Carter has lived up to the hype, immediately contributing to the Eagles’ ferocious pass rush. His ability to collapse the pocket, take on double-teams, and force pressure on the quarterback has been a critical element of Philadelphia’s defensive success. Carter’s presence alongside other defensive linemen like Fletcher Cox and Brandon Graham has turned the Eagles’ defensive front into one of the most formidable in the league.

2. Nolan Smith – Outside Linebacker

Another key player who helped Georgia to two national titles is Nolan Smith, a pass rusher known for his speed, athleticism, and relentless motor. Smith was a key component of Georgia’s edge-rushing attack, using his quickness and agility to get after quarterbacks and disrupt offenses.

The Eagles selected Smith with the 30th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, and he quickly made an impact as a rookie. His ability to rush the passer and set the edge against the run made him an invaluable addition to Philadelphia’s defense. Smith’s work ethic and high football IQ, honed under Kirby Smart at Georgia, have translated well to the NFL, and his relentless pursuit of the quarterback has made him an important asset as the Eagles prepare for the Super Bowl.

3. Jordan Davis – Defensive Tackle

Jordan Davis was a key cog in Georgia’s 2021 national championship defense. Standing at 6’6″ and weighing over 340 pounds, Davis was a dominant force on the interior defensive line. His size, strength, and mobility made him a difficult matchup for any offensive lineman, and his ability to clog running lanes and collapse the pocket was a key part of Georgia’s defensive success.

Davis was selected by the Eagles in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, and he quickly became a crucial part of their defensive front. His massive frame and ability to eat up blocks have allowed Philadelphia’s other defensive players to make plays, while his ability to disrupt the pocket has made him a formidable presence against the run and pass. With his ability to dominate the interior line, Davis has become one of the cornerstones of the Eagles’ defense, and his presence in the middle allows players like Carter and Smith to do their work on the outside.

4. Kelee Ringo – Cornerback

Kelee Ringo, a standout cornerback for Georgia during their 2021 and 2022 national championship seasons, is another former Bulldog who has found a home on the Eagles’ defense. Ringo was known for his ability to lock down receivers on the outside, and his physicality and ball skills made him one of the top cornerbacks in college football.

Though Ringo was drafted by the Eagles in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, his potential was clear from the start. He has quickly adapted to the NFL and has been able to contribute in the Eagles’ secondary, which is one of the strongest in the league. Ringo’s ability to cover receivers and make plays on the ball gives the Eagles a young, talented cornerback who fits perfectly into the team’s aggressive defensive style.

The Eagles’ Defense: A Georgia Bulldog Invasion

The connection between Georgia and Philadelphia’s defense has had a profound impact on the Eagles’ overall success. In addition to the players mentioned above, the Eagles also boast several other defenders with ties to top-tier college programs. However, the presence of so many former Bulldogs gives the Eagles a special edge. The players from Georgia are familiar with one another’s tendencies, work ethic, and approach to the game, which has allowed the defense to gel quickly and play at an elite level.

This familiarity extends to the coaching staff as well. Head coach Nick Sirianni and defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon have fostered a defensive scheme that allows their players to thrive. The mix of raw athleticism and refined technique from players like Jalen Carter, Nolan Smith, and Jordan Davis has turned the Eagles’ defense into one of the most complete units in the NFL. Whether it’s stopping the run, pressuring the quarterback, or locking down wide receivers, the Eagles’ defense has been a force to be reckoned with.

As the Eagles gear up for the Super Bowl, the contributions of these former Georgia players will undoubtedly play a key role in their success. Their familiarity with championship-caliber defense, combined with the leadership of players like Fletcher Cox and Darius Slay, gives the Eagles the confidence that they can contain any offense.