Two Georgia Bulldogs named 2025 NFL Draft risers by ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr after combine performances

The road to the NFL Draft is often defined by the performances athletes put on display at various events leading up to the big day. One of the most pivotal showcases for draft hopefuls is the NFL Scouting Combine, which gives scouts, general managers, and coaches an opportunity to assess athletes in person through a series of physical tests, drills, and interviews. This event can significantly impact a player’s draft stock, either pushing them up into first-round contention or dropping them down if they fail to impress.

For two Georgia Bulldogs, their combine performances were particularly impactful, earning them recognition as risers in ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr.’s analysis of the 2025 NFL Draft class. Kiper, one of the most respected draft analysts in the sport, identified these two Georgia players as potential first-round picks, and their combine performances have only strengthened their cases. Their physical attributes, athleticism, and skill sets were on full display, providing evidence that they can make a meaningful impact at the next level.

The Importance of the NFL Combine

Before diving into the specifics of the two Georgia Bulldogs and their draft prospects, it’s important to understand the weight that the NFL Scouting Combine holds in the draft process. Held annually in Indianapolis, the combine serves as a key evaluation tool for NFL teams. It’s a multi-day event that tests athletes in a variety of areas, from strength and speed to mental agility and on-field drills.

The combine includes exercises like the 40-yard dash, vertical jump, bench press, 3-cone drill, and shuttle runs, all designed to measure a player’s explosiveness, agility, endurance, and athleticism. It’s one of the few opportunities for players to showcase their physical skills to all 32 NFL teams in a standardized environment. Along with other metrics, such as interviews and psychological tests, these results help shape the teams’ draft boards. For players from powerhouse programs like Georgia, a solid performance at the combine can validate the hype surrounding them, giving them an even better chance to be selected early in the draft.

The Georgia Bulldogs at the 2025 NFL Combine

Georgia has been a consistent force in college football over the past decade, producing top-tier talent year after year. Under head coach Kirby Smart, the Bulldogs have reached new heights, winning the 2021 College Football Playoff National Championship and regularly appearing in the College Football Playoff picture. The program’s success on the field has translated into strong recruiting classes, and their athletes are often considered among the best in the nation.

For the 2025 NFL Draft, Georgia is once again poised to have several prospects with the potential to go early in the draft. At the 2025 NFL Combine, two players, in particular, stood out and were identified by Mel Kiper Jr. as “risers” — players who have elevated their draft stock through their performances. These athletes demonstrated their athleticism, competitiveness, and overall potential, pushing them up the draft boards of NFL teams.

Player 1: A Rising Star at Defensive Line – Jalen Carter

Jalen Carter, a standout defensive lineman from Georgia, was one of the first players mentioned by Mel Kiper Jr. in his list of draft risers following the combine. Carter’s performance at the combine only reaffirmed the excitement surrounding him, and Kiper’s analysis reflects the consensus among scouts that he is one of the best prospects in the 2025 draft.

Combine Performance

Carter’s combine performance was nothing short of spectacular. He displayed elite physical traits that align with what NFL teams are looking for in a defensive lineman. Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 310 pounds, Carter’s combination of size and athleticism was evident during his drills. His 40-yard dash time of 4.79 seconds was among the best in his position group, which is impressive considering his size. This speed, paired with his explosiveness, gives him the ability to disrupt plays in the backfield, making him a potential nightmare for opposing quarterbacks and offensive linemen at the next level.

But it wasn’t just his speed that turned heads. Carter’s agility was on full display during the 3-cone drill, where he posted a time of 7.23 seconds. For a defensive lineman of his size, that number is outstanding. It suggests that Carter has the quickness to chase down plays outside the pocket and adjust quickly to changing situations. His ability to move laterally while maintaining power and strength is a key component that could help him excel as a pass rusher in the NFL.

Why Jalen Carter’s Stock Is Rising

Kiper pointed out that Carter’s combine performance only further highlighted the dominance he displayed during his time at Georgia. Over the course of his career with the Bulldogs, Carter was a force on the defensive line, playing a pivotal role in Georgia’s defense. His ability to control the line of scrimmage, rush the passer, and stop the run made him a highly coveted prospect.

Carter’s raw power, combined with his refined technique and playmaking ability, makes him a likely candidate to be drafted in the top 10 of the 2025 draft. His combine results validated that belief, and many NFL scouts are now viewing him as a potential cornerstone for a team looking to strengthen its defensive line.

Given his combine results and his proven ability to perform at a high level in college football, Carter has solidified himself as one of the top prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. His performance at the combine only accelerated his rise up the draft boards, and it’s no surprise that Kiper and other experts have placed him firmly among the top defensive players available.

Player 2: A Versatile Weapon – Brock Bowers

Another Georgia Bulldog who saw his draft stock rise after the 2025 NFL Combine was tight end Brock Bowers. Bowers has been a standout player for Georgia throughout his college career and was one of the most dynamic playmakers in the country. His combination of size, speed, and receiving ability has made him one of the most highly anticipated tight end prospects for the NFL Draft.

Combine Performance

Bowers’ combine performance was a testament to his versatility and athleticism. At 6-foot-4 and 240 pounds, he possesses the perfect combination of size and speed to be an effective receiving threat in the NFL. His 40-yard dash time of 4.50 seconds was impressive for a player of his size and position. Bowers’ speed, agility, and route-running ability give him the capability to stretch the field and create mismatches against defenders, whether they are linebackers or defensive backs.

What stood out about Bowers’ combine performance was not just his straight-line speed but also his ability to move fluidly in and out of cuts. His agility in the short shuttle (4.18 seconds) was one of the best in the tight end group, and it’s clear that he has the quickness to create separation on short and intermediate routes. Additionally, his vertical jump of 35 inches demonstrated his ability to challenge defenders in the red zone and go up for contested catches.

Why Brock Bowers’ Stock Is Rising

Bowers’ performance at the combine was a natural extension of his success at Georgia. Over the past few years, he has been one of the most productive and reliable tight ends in college football. His hands, vision, and blocking ability have made him a complete player, and he’s been a consistent weapon for the Bulldogs’ offense.

Kiper highlighted Bowers as a player who could potentially be taken in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. With the NFL increasingly using tight ends as dual threats — both as pass-catchers and blockers — Bowers’ versatility makes him an attractive prospect for teams looking to add a dynamic weapon to their offense. His ability to line up both in-line and in the slot, coupled with his athleticism, could make him a key contributor early in his professional career.

Bowers’ stock was already high heading into the combine, but his impressive performance at the event only confirmed his place as one of the top tight end prospects available. Given the increasing importance of the tight end position in the modern NFL, it’s no surprise that Kiper views Bowers as a riser who could hear his name called early in the draft.

Impact on Georgia’s Recruiting and Team Success

The rise of Jalen Carter and Brock Bowers in the 2025 NFL Draft conversation is not only significant for these two players but also for the Georgia Bulldogs as a whole. Their success at the combine further bolsters the program’s reputation as a breeding ground for NFL talent, reinforcing the idea that Georgia is one of the premier schools for players hoping to make the jump to the next level.

For recruits considering Georgia, the impressive performances of Carter and Bowers at the combine serve as a testament to the program’s ability to develop talent and prepare athletes for the NFL. As more and more Georgia players rise in the draft rankings, the Bulldogs will continue to attract elite recruits, further strengthening the program’s dominance in college football.