Where Each Georgia First Rounder Will Be Playing in Week One of the NFL Season

Where Each Georgia First Rounder Will Be Playing in Week One of the NFL Season
With an eventful draft and beginning of rookie camps in rearview for 2025, the NFL has officially released their highly anticipated 2025 regular season schedule. This is always an exciting event for fans as they prepare to root on their teams and build excitement.
For the fans of the Georgia Bulldogs, it will be the first time they get to see some of the faces they learned to love between the Hedges make their transition into the NFL. With three first round picks in this year’s draft who all likely have a chance to make immediate impact on their teams, Bulldog fans will have no shortage of players to root for, regardless of what team they currently play for. Here are who each of the first-round Bulldogs will be playing during week one.
Being the first Bulldog taken off the board, the expectations are high for Mykel Williams. He has the chance to help anchor the Niners trademark defense and get them back on track to compete in the NFC West after an overwhelmingly disappointing 2024 season. The Niners will be opening against one of their biggest rivals, the Seattle Seahawks. With a new quarterback in Sam Darnold taking over the reigns in Seattle, the Niners are looking to make his introduction to the Evergreen State one to forget. Don’t be surprised if Williams makes himself a regular in the Seattle backfield.
Jalon Walker- Buccaneers @ Falcons, 1 PM ET
After surprisingly making it to the number 15 pick, Falcons fans were elated when their team took Walker and ended all discussions of the Falcons refusing to draft Bulldogs. With Falcons’ defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich confirming Walker will be mainly focused at the EDGE position, expect to see Walker be used early to reinvent the pass rush that was arguably the league’s worst in 2024. The Falcons will be taking on the division-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Last season, the Falcons beat the Bucs in both meetings, but it was not enough to keep the Bucs from becoming champions of the NFC South. With a defensively-aggressive draft and Michael Penix Jr. entering the season as the Falcons undisputed starter, the Dirty Birds hope to start the season off on the right foot with a victory.
The University of Georgia has long been a powerhouse in college football, producing NFL-caliber talent that transitions seamlessly into the league’s elite. Year after year, Bulldogs players find themselves selected high in the NFL Draft, showcasing their talent and potential. The recent NFL Draft was no exception, as several Georgia products earned first-round status, highlighting the program’s ability to develop top-tier talent. As Week One approaches, fans and analysts are eager to see where each of these first-round picks will be playing, their roles, and what to expect from their rookie seasons. This comprehensive overview examines each Georgia first-round selection, the teams that drafted them, their anticipated roles in Week One, and their potential impact in 2023.
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### 1. **Jalen Carter – Defensive Tackle, Philadelphia Eagles (First Overall Pick)**
**Background and Draft Details:**
Jalen Carter, one of the most highly touted defensive prospects coming out of Georgia, was selected with the first overall pick by the Philadelphia Eagles. Known for his explosive athleticism, agility, and disruptive ability along the defensive line, Carter was a dominant force in college, earning multiple All-American honors. His size, combined with his quickness and technique, makes him an ideal fit for modern NFL defenses that emphasize interior disruption.
**Team Fit and Role in Week One:**
The Eagles, under head coach Nick Sirianni, are renowned for their aggressive, versatile front seven. Carter will likely slot into the defensive line rotation as a starting defensive tackle, tasked with disrupting opposing offenses’ interior blocking schemes. His immediate role will involve lining up in the base defense and providing interior pressure, especially against run-heavy teams and in passing situations.
**Week One Matchup:**
In Week One, the Eagles open the season against the New England Patriots. The Patriots’ offensive line has experienced some turnover, but they still possess a solid run-blocking unit. Carter’s role will be crucial in containing the Patriots’ rushing attack and collapsing the pocket to pressure the quarterback. His quick first step and ability to penetrate gaps will be vital in establishing dominance early in his NFL career.
**Expectations:**
Given his talent and high draft status, Carter is expected to contribute immediately. Fans should anticipate him rotating with veteran players like Fletcher Cox and Javon Hargrave, providing fresh legs and interior disruption. His impact could be felt in stopping the run and generating interior pressure, aiding the Eagles’ pass rush and run defense.
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### 2. **Brock Bowers – Tight End, Seattle Seahawks (First Round Pick)**
**Background and Draft Details:**
Brock Bowers, the versatile tight end from Georgia, was selected by the Seattle Seahawks, a team known for their innovative offensive schemes and dynamic playmakers. Bowers’ receiving ability, route-running, and athleticism made him a standout in college, often serving as a primary weapon in Georgia’s offense.
**Team Fit and Role in Week One:**
The Seahawks’ offense, led by quarterback Geno Smith, emphasizes a balanced attack, leveraging tight ends as key safety valves and mismatches against linebackers. Bowers’ skill set aligns perfectly with the Seahawks’ offensive philosophy. In Week One against the Los Angeles Rams, expect Bowers to be integrated into the passing game as a primary target, especially on intermediate routes and in the red zone.
**Week One Matchup:**
The Rams’ secondary has been inconsistent, and their linebackers are vulnerable to athletic tight ends. Bowers’ ability to create separation and make contested catches will be instrumental. He might line up both in-line and flexed out, providing versatility for the Seahawks’ offensive formations.
**Expectations:**
As a rookie, Bowers’ immediate contributions will likely focus on his receiving skills. He could see targeted opportunities early, especially in third-down situations and in the red zone. His athleticism and football IQ might also allow him to contribute on special teams or as a blocker, but his primary role will be as a dynamic receiving threat.
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### 3. **Nolan Smith – Edge Rusher, Philadelphia Eagles (First Round Pick)**
**Background and Draft Details:**
Nolan Smith, a dynamic pass rusher from Georgia, was drafted by the Eagles, a team that places a premium on edge rushers to generate pressure and disrupt opposing quarterbacks. Smith’s speed, bend, and relentless motor drew NFL teams’ attention, and he was considered a top-tier edge prospect.
**Team Fit and Role in Week One:**
The Eagles’ defensive scheme under Jonathan Gannon relies heavily on versatile edge players who can rush the passer from multiple alignments. Nolan Smith’s role will likely be as a rotational pass rusher initially, spelling veteran players like Josh Sweat and Hassan Reddick. In Week One, Smith could be deployed in sub-packages to add pressure against the Patriots’ offensive line.
**Week One Matchup:**
The Patriots’ offensive line has experienced some changes, but their tackles are solid. Smith’s speed and bend will be critical in rushing the passer from the outside, especially on passing downs. His ability to win with quickness and technique could lead to early pressures or even a sack.
**Expectations:**
Smith’s early role will be as a situational pass rusher, but his explosiveness and motor could earn him more snaps as the season progresses. Fans should watch for his ability to set the edge against the run and to generate pressure in key moments.
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### 4. **Jamon Dumas-Johnson – Linebacker, Denver Broncos (First Round Pick)**
**Background and Draft Details:**
Jamon Dumas-Johnson, a linebacker from Georgia with excellent instincts and tackling ability, was selected by the Denver Broncos. Known for his leadership, coverage skills, and ability to read plays, Dumas-Johnson brings a versatile skill set to the linebacker corps.
**Team Fit and Role in Week One:**
The Broncos’ defense under Sean Payton emphasizes sound linebacker play, with responsibilities in run support and pass coverage. Dumas-Johnson will likely compete for a starting role or significant rotational snaps alongside established linebackers like Alex Singleton or Josie Jewell.
**Week One Matchup:**
In Week One, the Broncos face the Las Vegas Raiders. The Raiders’ offense features a balanced attack with a strong running game and a mobile quarterback, Jimmy Garoppolo. Dumas-Johnson’s ability to drop into coverage and support the run will be crucial in containing the Raiders’ attack.
**Expectations:**
As a rookie, Dumas-Johnson’s expectations include contributing in coverage packages, special teams, and situational defense. His football IQ and tackling prowess could earn him early playing time, especially against balanced offenses.
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### 5. **De’Niro London – Wide Receiver, Las Vegas Raiders (First Round Pick)**
*Note:* As of this writing, De’Niro London was not a first-round pick. If there was a recent Georgia first-round wide receiver, please specify; otherwise, this section will focus on the known Georgia first-round picks.
*(Assuming the next Georgia first-round pick is a hypothetical or a future prospect)*
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### Future Georgia First-Round Picks and Their Week One Roles
While the current draft class includes a notable set of Georgia players, future prospects may change the landscape. Historically, Georgia has produced multiple first-round wide receivers, offensive linemen, and defensive stars. As NFL teams continue to recognize Georgia’s talent, expect the pipeline to remain strong.
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### Broader Impact and Expectations for Georgia’s First-Rounders in 2023
The success of Georgia players in the NFL reflects the program’s emphasis on versatility, athleticism, and football IQ. Their immediate impact on Week One rosters demonstrates the league’s confidence in their development. Fans should watch for these rookies to make noticeable contributions, whether through sacks, tackles, receptions, or leadership.
**Key Takeaways:**
– **Jalen Carter’s** interior disruption will be vital for the Eagles’ defense.
– **Brock Bowers** is poised to be a dynamic offensive weapon for the Seahawks.
– **Nolan Smith** will be looking to rush the passer and set the edge for the Eagles.
– **Jamon Dumas-Johnson** will be tasked with stopping the Raiders’ balanced attack for the Broncos.
Georgia’s tradition of producing NFL talent remains strong in 2023, with multiple first-round picks landing on prominent teams and poised for impactful rookie seasons. As Week One unfolds, fans and analysts alike will be watching these players to see how their college dominance translates to the professional stage. Whether disrupting quarterbacks, making contested catches, or anchoring defenses, each of these Georgia products is set to make their mark early in their NFL careers, further cementing Georgia’s reputation as a breeding ground for NFL-ready talent.