“They play with an edge,” said Eagles general manager about selecting Georgia players.

“They Play with an Edge,” Said Eagles General Manager About Selecting Georgia Players

The Philadelphia Eagles are known for their strong, physical brand of football, a mindset deeply ingrched within their organizational culture. In recent years, their strategy in the NFL Draft has evolved to place a strong emphasis on selecting players who bring more than just raw talent to the field. They look for players who play with an edge—those who are tough, relentless, and possess the mental fortitude to thrive in the most challenging environments. In recent drafts, Georgia Bulldogs have become a significant focus for the Eagles’ front office, with several of their selections coming from the University of Georgia, a program renowned for its toughness, discipline, and high-caliber players.

The phrase “they play with an edge” captures the essence of what general manager Howie Roseman is looking for when it comes to selecting talent, particularly from a program like Georgia. Known for its storied history, consistent success, and strong player development, Georgia football has produced a slew of NFL-ready athletes who match perfectly with the Eagles’ physical style of play. The combination of skill, athleticism, and a hard-nosed mentality that Georgia players bring to the table makes them an ideal fit for the Eagles’ roster.

The 2025 NFL Draft is another opportunity for the Eagles to continue adding players who embody this mindset, and once again, the University of Georgia is a school the Eagles are closely monitoring. From their defense-heavy draft picks to their blue-chip offensive players, Georgia consistently produces talent that is sought after at the highest level of football. For the Eagles, selecting Georgia players has become an important strategy, and it’s not hard to see why.

The Eagles’ Philosophy: Building a Championship Roster

The Eagles’ philosophy under Roseman has been clear: prioritize building a balanced and well-rounded roster, focusing on both the offensive and defensive lines. They seek players who are physical, mentally tough, and have the ability to contribute immediately. The team has always valued players who bring energy, focus, and grit to the field, and this approach has paid off with success in recent years, including a Super Bowl championship in 2018.

The draft is a crucial aspect of this process. Every year, Roseman and the Eagles scouting department carefully evaluate prospects to determine which ones best fit the culture they’re building. While many teams draft based on talent alone, the Eagles are known for identifying players who can seamlessly integrate into their system, both from a physical and mental perspective. They place a strong emphasis on player mentality, understanding that it’s not just about being talented—it’s about being mentally tough, possessing the drive to keep pushing, and playing with an edge.

This mentality has led to successful selections of players from Georgia, a school whose program has been built on these same principles. Whether on the defensive side of the ball, where Georgia has produced multiple high-caliber NFL prospects, or on offense, where the Bulldogs have developed key playmakers, Georgia consistently produces athletes that embody the kind of toughness the Eagles value.

Why Georgia Players Stand Out to the Eagles

When Roseman says that Georgia players “play with an edge,” he’s referring to several key attributes that stand out when evaluating prospects from the University of Georgia. These qualities are what make Georgia players so attractive to NFL teams, particularly the Eagles, who value physicality, work ethic, and mental toughness above all else.

1. Physicality and Toughness

One of the defining characteristics of Georgia football is its emphasis on physical play. Whether it’s in the trenches, on the perimeter, or in the secondary, Georgia players are known for their toughness. The Bulldogs’ coaching staff has instilled a mentality where players are expected to be aggressive, relentless, and willing to outlast their opponents. This style of play aligns perfectly with the Eagles’ preference for players who can dominate physically and mentally.

The Eagles’ defensive philosophy is built on attacking the quarterback, being physical at the line of scrimmage, and disrupting plays. Georgia’s defensive players are groomed to excel in these areas. Players like Jalen Carter, a dominant defensive tackle, and Nolan Smith, an edge rusher known for his explosiveness, demonstrate the type of players the Eagles are looking for—those who can control the line of scrimmage, put pressure on the quarterback, and bring physicality to every play. Carter’s ability to overpower offensive linemen and disrupt plays behind the line makes him a perfect fit for a team that values physical dominance, and Smith’s speed and strength make him an ideal edge rusher for a team looking to consistently pressure opposing quarterbacks.

Offensive players from Georgia also display the kind of toughness the Eagles value. Offensive linemen like Broderick Jones, a massive tackle with impressive footwork and strength, fit the mold of what Philadelphia looks for. Their physical style of play ensures that they can compete in the trenches, where games are often won or lost.

2. Mental Toughness and Resilience

Beyond physicality, Georgia players also exhibit a level of mental toughness that the Eagles seek. These athletes are often tested under pressure, playing in high-stakes games in the SEC and having to battle against some of the best players in the country. The Bulldogs have regularly been in contention for national championships, and their players are no strangers to pressure.

Mental toughness is an essential attribute in the NFL, where every game can feel like a battle. The Eagles’ front office understands that players who have been forged in the competitive fire of the SEC are more likely to handle the intensity of the NFL. This resilience has been key to the success of several Georgia players in the NFL, and it’s one of the reasons the Eagles target Georgia’s athletes.

The 2025 NFL Draft will feature several Georgia players who have demonstrated this type of mental toughness. Whether it’s Carter dealing with double teams in the trenches or Brock Bowers making clutch catches under pressure as a tight end, Georgia’s athletes consistently show that they can perform when the stakes are high.

3. Versatility and Adaptability

Georgia players are also known for their versatility, which is another reason they fit the Eagles’ needs. The Bulldogs often deploy athletes in various roles, asking them to contribute in multiple facets of the game. This adaptability makes them highly attractive to NFL teams, as players who can contribute in different positions and schemes are incredibly valuable.

For example, Brock Bowers, Georgia’s star tight end, is not only a threat as a pass catcher but is also a capable blocker, often taking on roles in both the running game and the passing attack. This type of versatility makes Bowers an ideal fit for the Eagles, who value players that can contribute in multiple ways. Similarly, defensive players like linebacker Jamon Dumas-Johnson have the ability to play both inside and outside linebacker roles, allowing them to be deployed in different defensive schemes. The Eagles’ defense thrives on being unpredictable and versatile, so selecting players who can be used in multiple ways aligns perfectly with their defensive philosophy.

4. Winning Mentality and Culture Fit

Lastly, Georgia players come from a winning culture—a trait that the Eagles prize. Under head coach Kirby Smart, Georgia has established itself as one of the most successful college programs in the nation, winning multiple SEC championships and national titles. Players who come from this kind of environment understand what it takes to win at the highest levels and know how to prepare for the grind of a long season.

The Eagles, who are also a winning organization, know the value of selecting players who are accustomed to being part of a winning team. They understand that players from Georgia, with their national championship pedigree and relentless work ethic, bring a mindset that prioritizes victory. This mindset is crucial for the Eagles as they continue their pursuit of another Super Bowl title. The selection of players from Georgia adds to the team’s competitive fire and ensures that the Eagles continue to add talent that thrives in a high-pressure environment.

Key Georgia Players for the Eagles in 2025

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the Eagles have several key Georgia players on their radar who could be perfect additions to their roster.

• Jalen Carter (Defensive Tackle): Carter is expected to be one of the top picks in the draft. His combination of strength, quickness, and ability to disrupt both the passing and running games makes him a perfect fit for the Eagles’ defensive line, which focuses on getting pressure on the quarterback and controlling the line of scrimmage.
• Brock Bowers (Tight End): Bowers is one of the most dynamic playmakers in college football and could be a game-changer for the Eagles’ offense. His ability to block and catch passes with ease makes him a versatile weapon that could fit perfectly into the Eagles’ scheme.
• Broderick Jones (Offensive Tackle): Jones is a powerful and skilled offensive lineman who can help protect the quarterback and open up running lanes. His physical style of play and versatility make him a potential starter on the Eagles’ offensive line for years to come.
• Jamon Dumas-Johnson (Linebacker): A versatile linebacker who can play in multiple defensive schemes, Dumas-Johnson has the speed and physicality that the Eagles value. His ability to cover ground and disrupt plays could make him a standout in Philadelphia’s defense.