At the NFL combine, Georgia athletes want to continue the Bulldogs’ illustrious first-round draft record.

For the Georgia Bulldogs, the NFL draft has become a veritable springboard for success. Year after year, Georgia has produced a steady stream of talent that not only gets drafted but also excels at the highest levels of football. With an unmatched pedigree in producing first-round draft picks, the Bulldogs are a force to be reckoned with in the NFL draft process. As the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine draws near, Georgia athletes are eager to build on the program’s illustrious history of first-round selections. This year’s crop of Bulldogs looks to continue the trend and prove that the Bulldogs’ football program is a breeding ground for NFL-caliber talent.

Georgia’s reputation for producing elite athletes has grown over the past several seasons under head coach Kirby Smart, and the 2025 draft class is no exception. Players such as Jalen Carter, Broderick Jones, and others are determined to maintain the Bulldogs’ enviable track record of high draft picks. With a rich history that includes names like A.J. Green, Matthew Stafford, Roquan Smith, and DeAndre Baker, Georgia’s athletes understand the significance of following in these footsteps.

In this piece, we will delve into the story behind Georgia’s exceptional first-round draft record, the athletes participating in the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, and how they aim to add to Georgia’s already impressive draft legacy.

Georgia’s Unrivaled First-Round Draft Legacy

The University of Georgia has long been recognized as one of the premier programs in college football, and its NFL draft success is a testament to the strength and depth of its football program. Since Kirby Smart took over as head coach in 2016, the Bulldogs have become a pipeline to the NFL, producing a steady stream of top-tier talent year after year.

Under Smart, Georgia has experienced a remarkable run of first-round draft picks. The Bulldogs’ success is due to several factors, including their strong recruiting, player development, and emphasis on discipline and physicality. Georgia has earned a reputation as a place where athletes can develop into complete football players, ready to compete at the highest level.

Some of the most notable first-round draft picks from Georgia in recent years include:

• A.J. Green (2011 NFL Draft – 4th overall): One of the best wide receivers to come out of Georgia, Green’s selection in the top 5 set the tone for future first-round success.
• Matthew Stafford (2009 NFL Draft – 1st overall): As the first overall pick, Stafford helped solidify Georgia’s presence in the NFL. The quarterback’s success in the NFL further solidified Georgia as a top program.
• Roquan Smith (2018 NFL Draft – 8th overall): Smith was one of the most dynamic linebackers in Georgia history, and his selection in the top 10 showed the Bulldogs’ ability to produce elite defensive talent.
• DeAndre Baker (2019 NFL Draft – 30th overall): As a shutdown cornerback, Baker represented Georgia’s dominance on the defensive side of the ball.
• George Pickens (2022 NFL Draft – 52nd overall): Pickens, a wide receiver, was selected in the second round but had first-round talent. His selection continued the trend of Georgia producing top NFL players.

These players, among many others, have helped create a culture at Georgia that is expected to produce NFL-ready athletes year after year. With Smart’s continued leadership and emphasis on player development, Georgia’s presence in the NFL draft has become one of the strongest in college football.

The 2025 NFL Draft Class: Bulldogs Set Their Sights on the First Round

As Georgia’s success in the NFL draft continues, the athletes who are preparing for the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine are eager to add their names to the list of first-round picks. Players like Jalen Carter, Broderick Jones, and Nolan Smith are expected to be key contributors in continuing Georgia’s historic run of top picks. These players have the potential to not only hear their names called early in the draft but also to become future stars at the next level.

Jalen Carter – Defensive Force and Top Draft Prospect

One of the most highly anticipated Georgia players at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine is Jalen Carter, a dominant defensive tackle who has earned national acclaim for his incredible talent. Carter was a key member of Georgia’s defense during their national championship run, and his size, athleticism, and ability to disrupt the line of scrimmage have earned him a place among the top prospects in the draft.

Carter’s performance at the Combine will be critical in cementing his place as one of the first players taken in the 2025 draft. His ability to showcase his speed, strength, and explosiveness will be crucial for NFL scouts, and Carter is eager to prove he is the best defensive tackle in the class. With a rare combination of power, agility, and football IQ, Carter’s upside is unparalleled, and he has all the tools to be a transformative force in the NFL.

For Carter, participating in the NFL Scouting Combine is more than just an opportunity to showcase his talent; it is a chance to continue Georgia’s tradition of first-round picks. His success will not only reflect his individual skill but also the continued excellence of the Georgia football program.

Broderick Jones – The Future of NFL Offensive Lines

Broderick Jones, an offensive tackle, is another Georgia player whose name has been mentioned frequently in first-round discussions. Jones has been a mainstay on Georgia’s offensive line, playing a key role in the Bulldogs’ success, particularly in the running game. His size (6’4″, 325 pounds) and athleticism make him one of the most promising offensive linemen in the draft class.

At the NFL Combine, Jones will be looking to demonstrate his ability to protect the quarterback and create running lanes for future NFL teams. Given the importance of strong offensive line play in today’s NFL, Jones is widely viewed as one of the top tackle prospects in the 2025 draft, and his performance at the Combine will go a long way in securing his status as a first-round selection.

For Georgia, Jones represents the next wave of high-caliber offensive linemen that have come out of the program in recent years. Like Andrew Thomas (2019, 4th overall), Jones has the potential to make an immediate impact in the NFL and continue Georgia’s tradition of producing elite offensive linemen.

Nolan Smith – A Linebacker with Elite Speed and Athleticism

Nolan Smith, a linebacker for Georgia, is another player who has been generating significant buzz ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft. Smith has been a key leader for Georgia’s defense, known for his incredible speed, athleticism, and leadership on the field. His ability to cover ground quickly and make plays in the backfield has made him one of the most versatile linebackers in college football.

Smith’s journey to the NFL Combine is an opportunity for him to show off his speed and agility, and his performance in the drills will be closely watched by NFL scouts. With his combination of speed, strength, and playmaking ability, Smith has all the traits of a future star at the next level.

If Smith’s performance at the Combine is as impressive as expected, he has the potential to be a first-round pick and continue Georgia’s tradition of producing top-tier defensive talent. His success will be another reflection of how Kirby Smart’s defensive system produces high-quality players who are ready to compete at the highest level.

The NFL Combine: The Crucial Platform for Continuing the Tradition

The NFL Scouting Combine is a crucial opportunity for these Georgia players to showcase their talents and take the next step in their football careers. For Jalen Carter, Broderick Jones, Nolan Smith, and the other Bulldogs hoping to make a lasting impression, the Combine is the stage where they can separate themselves from the competition and solidify their places in the first round of the NFL Draft.

For Georgia, the NFL Combine is more than just an individual opportunity; it is a testament to the strength of the program. Each player who takes part in the Combine carries the weight of the Bulldogs’ legacy with them, hoping to continue the team’s tradition of success at the next level.