The Georgia Bulldogs are closing in on Alabama as the program producing the most NFL talent.

In the landscape of modern college football, no metric screams “elite” quite like the NFL Draft. For years, Alabama—under the legendary Nick Saban—reigned supreme as the undisputed king of producing NFL-ready talent. But now, a new titan is closing in.

The Georgia Bulldogs, led by Kirby Smart, are rapidly emerging as the new standard-bearer for NFL development. After multiple championship runs, an avalanche of top-ranked recruiting classes, and back-to-back monster NFL Draft hauls, Georgia is now within striking distance of overtaking Alabama as the top pipeline to the pros.

Alabama has long been the gold standard in terms of sending players to the NFL. From 2009 to 2022, the Crimson Tide had 111 players drafted, with an astonishing 41 first-round picks during that span. Georgia, though consistently competitive, lagged behind in overall numbers—until recently.

Since 2021, the Bulldogs have exploded onto the draft scene:

• 2022 NFL Draft: 15 Georgia players selected (a modern record), including five first-rounders
• 2023 NFL Draft: 10 more Bulldogs selected, including Jalen Carter (No. 9 overall) and Broderick Jones (No. 14)
• 2024 NFL Draft: 9 Georgia players drafted, including 3 defenders in the top 40 picks
• Total since 2022: 34 Georgia players selected in just three drafts

Alabama, by comparison, had 27 players drafted during the same span.

The Bulldogs are now narrowing the gap in cumulative draft output, especially in high-round picks. What’s more, Georgia’s talent surge is fresher, younger, and more sustainable—given the continued elite recruiting and development pipeline in Athens.

What separates Georgia’s rise from other contenders isn’t just quantity—it’s quality and versatility.

Over the past five years, the Bulldogs have produced NFL starters at nearly every key position:

• Quarterback: Stetson Bennett IV, while a late-round pick, is now a backup in the NFL
• Running back: James Cook (Bills), Zamir White (Raiders), Kenny McIntosh (Seahawks)
• Wide receiver: George Pickens (Steelers), Ladd McConkey (Chargers)
• Tight end: Darnell Washington (Steelers), Brock Bowers (Raiders — 1st round, 2024)
• Offensive line: Andrew Thomas, Isaiah Wynn, Broderick Jones, Amarius Mims
• Defensive line: Travon Walker (No. 1 overall, 2022), Jalen Carter, Devonte Wyatt
• Linebacker: Nakobe Dean, Quay Walker, Nolan Smith
• Cornerback/Safety: Eric Stokes, Lewis Cine, Kelee Ringo, Tykee Smith

Across the board, Georgia players are not just getting drafted—they’re starting, starring, and sticking in the NFL.

Much of Georgia’s surge is directly tied to Kirby Smart’s vision. A former defensive coordinator under Nick Saban at Alabama, Smart brought with him an emphasis on NFL-style preparation—both in scheme and culture.

His practices mirror pro setups:

• NFL terminology
• Pro-style schemes
• Position-specific coaching with NFL experience

Smart has assembled one of the most respected staffs in college football, many of whom have NFL backgrounds or long-standing connections to pro front offices.

“We don’t just want to win in college,” Smart said after the 2024 Draft. “We want to send our guys to the league ready to dominate. That’s our job.”

The results speak volumes. NFL scouts now routinely rank Georgia players as the most “pro-ready” in the country—especially on defense.

If Alabama is known for polished skill players and dominant offensive linemen, Georgia has become synonymous with elite defense.

From 2021 to 2024, Georgia had 17 defensive players drafted, including six first-rounders. Their 2021 and 2022 national championship defenses are already being compared to early-2000s Miami and mid-2010s Alabama units in terms of NFL output.

• Travon Walker (No. 1 overall, Jaguars)
• Jalen Carter (Top-10, Eagles)
• Jordan Davis (1st round, Eagles)
• Nolan Smith (1st round, Eagles)
• Quay Walker (1st round, Packers)

These aren’t just draftees—they’re starting defenders on playoff-contending NFL teams.

It’s not just coaching—it’s talent acquisition. Georgia has ranked in the top 3 of every recruiting class since 2019, regularly landing 5-stars at key positions.

Their ability to recruit elite high school talent and develop them physically, mentally, and emotionally for the NFL is nearly unmatched right now.

Players like Brock Bowers, Malaki Starks, and Mykel Williams were 5-star prospects who came in with expectations—and Georgia made sure they didn’t plateau. Their strength and conditioning program, nutrition, and film study culture mimic those of NFL organizations.

Why are Georgia players so attractive to NFL teams?

• Scheme versatile: Georgia runs both man and zone concepts, pro-style run games, and multiple fronts
• Mentally tough: Players go through highly competitive, pressure-filled practices
• Game-ready: Georgia players face the nation’s toughest schedules in the SEC
• Well-coached: Their positional coaches are among the most respected in the country

NFL GM after NFL GM has praised the consistency and readiness of Bulldog draftees.

“If you draft a Georgia defender, you know what you’re getting,” one AFC executive said. “They’re tough, smart, and they don’t need babysitting.”

Make no mistake—Alabama is still elite. Even post-Saban, they remain a top-tier NFL pipeline. The 2024 Draft saw multiple Crimson Tide players taken early, including star corner Kool-Aid McKinstry and pass rusher Dallas Turner.

But Georgia is now consistently matching—or exceeding—Bama’s NFL output. The “gap” that once existed is shrinking fast, and in some position groups (like defensive front seven), Georgia may already be ahead.

From 2022 to 2024:

• Georgia: 34 draftees
• Alabama: 27 draftees
• First-round picks: Georgia (8), Alabama (6)

It’s not just about surpassing Alabama numerically—it’s about changing perception. NFL franchises now see Georgia as the most reliable source of complete players, especially on defense.

This shift is not happening in a vacuum. High school players are watching. Families are watching. Recruits increasingly view Georgia as the fastest, most direct path to the league—especially for defenders and linemen.

And it’s influencing decisions:

• 5-star DBs are picking Georgia over SEC rivals
• Top RBs and WRs see Georgia as more balanced offensively than before
• Defensive linemen are practically lining up to wear the G

In the NIL era, development still matters—and Georgia is making the case that no school prepares you better for Sundays.

If Georgia continues its pace of 8–10 draft picks per year, they will overtake Alabama by the end of the decade in total players drafted in the modern era (since 2000).

It’s already happened in terms of:

• Draft picks over the past 3 years
• Number of active defensive NFL starters
• First-round defenders since 2022

More importantly, they’re doing it with sustained excellence, a consistent coaching staff, and a young core of players who aren’t done yet.

With the expanded College Football Playoff beginning in 2025 and continued dominance in SEC recruiting, Georgia’s reign as the top NFL factory feels inevitable.

For years, Alabama stood alone at the top of the NFL pipeline mountain. But the Georgia Bulldogs are climbing fast—and may have already reached the summit.

Fueled by back-to-back national titles, elite recruiting, and a relentless commitment to player development, Georgia has turned Athens into an NFL staging ground.

The Bulldogs aren’t just building college champions.
They’re building pros.
And the NFL is taking notice.

The Dawgs are here.
And they’re coming for Alabama’s crown.