The biggest winners in the Reese’s Senior Bowl in Georgia football

The Reese’s Senior Bowl is one of the most prestigious postseason events in college football, often serving as a platform for senior athletes to showcase their talents in front of NFL scouts, coaches, and general managers. The game, typically held in Mobile, Alabama, brings together some of the best draft-eligible players from around the country to compete and prove they have what it takes to make it at the next level. For Georgia football, which has become a perennial powerhouse under head coach Kirby Smart, the Senior Bowl has been an important event to see how its players perform against top-tier talent and how they transition to the professional game.

Georgia’s football program has produced a wealth of talent in recent years, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. From the rise of players like Jordan Davis and Nakobe Dean to more recent standouts such as Jalen Carter and Kenny McIntosh, the Bulldogs have seen a significant number of players drafted in the NFL over the last few seasons. The Reese’s Senior Bowl gives Georgia’s seniors an additional opportunity to enhance their draft stock, network with scouts, and demonstrate their skills in a competitive setting.

But it’s not just the standout players in Georgia football who get the spotlight at the Senior Bowl. Over the years, several Georgia players have used the event to show why they deserve a chance at the next level, making a significant impact on their NFL prospects. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the biggest winners from Georgia football at the Reese’s Senior Bowl, focusing on how certain players have elevated their stock through their performances.

1. Jordan Davis: Dominating the Line of Scrimmage

Jordan Davis, a mammoth defensive tackle from Georgia, is one of the most recent and notable winners from the Reese’s Senior Bowl. The former Bulldog standout turned heads during the 2022 Senior Bowl with his combination of size, strength, and athleticism. Standing 6’6” and weighing over 340 pounds, Davis possesses an immense physical presence, and he showcased that at the Senior Bowl. His ability to clog running lanes, push through offensive linemen, and control the interior of the defensive line made him an immediate standout.

Davis’ dominance at the Senior Bowl wasn’t just about his sheer size—it was also about his surprising agility for a player of his stature. His lateral quickness, ability to change directions, and overall fluidity in drills caught the attention of NFL scouts, especially considering his size. The Senior Bowl provided Davis with the perfect stage to display his strengths, and it solidified his status as a top-tier defensive tackle prospect in the 2022 NFL Draft. His performances in Mobile helped propel him to be selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the first round (13th overall), where he became a key part of the team’s defensive line rotation during their Super Bowl run in 2023.

2. Nakobe Dean: A Linebacker Who Proved His Value

Another huge winner for Georgia at the Reese’s Senior Bowl was Nakobe Dean, the undersized but exceptionally talented linebacker who starred for the Bulldogs’ national championship defense in 2021. Dean had already established himself as a leader on Georgia’s defense, but his performance at the Senior Bowl only reinforced his status as one of the best linebacker prospects in his class.

At 5’11” and 229 pounds, Dean’s size was often questioned by scouts, who wondered if he had the physical tools to translate to the NFL. However, Dean’s instincts, speed, and ability to read offenses were never in doubt. At the Senior Bowl, Dean showcased these skills to perfection. His ability to diagnose plays, quickly react to the ball, and wrap up in the open field made him a standout on both sides of the ball during practice. His leadership qualities also shone through as he was vocal, constantly directing his teammates and proving that his high football IQ and on-field communication made him a difference-maker.

Dean’s performance in Mobile bolstered his draft stock, showing that he could handle the speed of the NFL game despite his smaller frame. He was ultimately selected in the third round (83rd overall) by the Philadelphia Eagles, where he quickly became a core part of their defense. By the end of his rookie season, Dean was a Super Bowl champion, further solidifying the impact of his Senior Bowl performance.

3. Kenny McIntosh: Proving Versatility at Running Back

Another Georgia standout who benefited significantly from his Senior Bowl performance was running back Kenny McIntosh. A versatile and dynamic player, McIntosh entered the Senior Bowl with a chance to prove his worth to NFL scouts, and he made the most of his opportunity. Known for his strong pass-catching ability, McIntosh showed off his receiving chops at the Senior Bowl by consistently getting open in the passing game and showcasing his route-running ability, which set him apart from other running backs in the class.

In addition to his pass-catching ability, McIntosh demonstrated his strong vision and ability to make defenders miss in the open field. His combination of agility and balance allowed him to excel in short-yardage situations and as an outside rusher. Throughout practices, McIntosh showed that he could be more than just a traditional running back. His well-rounded game caught the attention of NFL teams looking for running backs who could contribute in all phases of the offense.

McIntosh’s performance at the Senior Bowl significantly boosted his draft stock. He was drafted in the seventh round (224th overall) by the Seattle Seahawks, where he quickly earned a role as a pass-catching running back in their offense. McIntosh’s ability to contribute on special teams, along with his multifaceted skill set, made him a valuable asset for the Seahawks.

4. Jamaree Salyer: Offensive Line Anchor

While Georgia has been known for producing top-tier talent on defense in recent years, the offensive line has also been an area of strength. Jamaree Salyer, a versatile offensive lineman who played multiple positions during his time in Athens, impressed at the Senior Bowl as he showcased his skills in front of NFL scouts. Salyer, who played primarily at left tackle for Georgia, moved around during the Senior Bowl practices, playing both guard and tackle. His ability to excel in multiple positions showed NFL teams that he could be a valuable asset in the trenches, providing depth and versatility to any offensive line.

Salyer’s technique, combined with his physicality, helped solidify his standing as one of the top offensive linemen in the 2022 draft class. His ability to win battles in both the run game and the passing game stood out, and his strong footwork and awareness allowed him to succeed against some of the most talented defensive linemen in college football.

After a strong Senior Bowl performance, Salyer was drafted in the sixth round (195th overall) by the Los Angeles Chargers. His versatile skill set allowed him to find a role on the Chargers’ offensive line, where he became an immediate contributor and depth piece on their interior line.

5. Tre’Vonne Bryant: The Under-the-Radar Prospect

One of the more surprising Georgia players to come out of the Senior Bowl in recent years was defensive lineman Tre’Vonne Bryant. While he wasn’t as well-known as some of his Georgia counterparts, Bryant used the Senior Bowl as an opportunity to showcase his talent. A strong and physical presence on the defensive line, Bryant demonstrated the ability to shed blocks and disrupt plays in the backfield. His quickness and strength were evident throughout the week of practices, where he made plays against both the run and the pass.

Bryant’s ability to get pressure on the quarterback and stuff running lanes showed that he could be a valuable contributor at the next level, even if he wasn’t a household name. Though he didn’t have the same recognition as some of Georgia’s other stars, Bryant’s strong performance in Mobile helped elevate his draft stock.

Bryant eventually went undrafted, but his Senior Bowl performance provided him with an opportunity to earn a spot on an NFL roster. His determination and ability to impress scouts during practices were key to his post-Senior Bowl journey.

6. Jermaine Burton: Wide Receiver Who Showed Explosiveness

Jermaine Burton, who transferred to Georgia after spending time at Alabama, also had an impressive showing at the Senior Bowl. Burton, who had already made his mark at Alabama as a deep threat, took advantage of his opportunity to show that he could be more than just a home-run hitter. He displayed his ability to run crisp routes and use his speed to separate from defenders. Burton’s ability to create big plays downfield while maintaining strong hands in contested situations set him apart as one of the more intriguing wide receiver prospects at the Senior Bowl.

Burton’s performance was pivotal in proving that he could be a reliable option at the next level. After a solid week in Mobile, Burton was drafted in the fourth round (134th overall) by the Kansas City Chiefs, where he quickly became an intriguing option in their explosive offense.

 The Senior Bowl as a Launchpad for Georgia’s NFL Prospects

The Reese’s Senior Bowl remains an important event for college football players, particularly for those looking to make a name for themselves before the NFL Draft. For Georgia football, the Senior Bowl has been a showcase of not just raw talent but also the coaching and development that Kirby Smart and his staff have put into their players. From players like Jordan Davis and Nakobe Dean to lesser-known prospects like Tre’Vonne Bryant, Georgia players have consistently used the Senior Bowl as a springboard to NFL success.

With Georgia continuing to churn out top-tier talent year after year, it’s likely that the Bulldogs will continue to dominate the Senior Bowl scene in the future. As long as Kirby Smart’s recruiting machine remains strong and his player development continues to impress, the Reese

’s Senior Bowl will remain a key event for Georgia players to make their mark and set themselves up for long careers in the NFL.