Three Georgia Bulldogs are selected in the first round of Mel Kiper Jr.’s NFL mock draft.

The University of Georgia football program continues to produce top-tier talent, and the 2025 NFL Draft promises to be no different, with three Bulldogs projected to be first-round selections in Mel Kiper Jr.’s latest mock draft. Under the guidance of head coach Kirby Smart, Georgia has transformed into a perennial powerhouse, both in the SEC and on the national stage. Smart’s emphasis on developing talent at every position has paid dividends, as Georgia routinely sends elite players to the NFL. This year’s mock draft showcases that trend, with three Bulldogs standing out as first-round prospects.

Mel Kiper Jr., one of the most respected voices in NFL draft analysis, has a keen eye for evaluating collegiate talent and projecting how that talent will translate to the next level. His latest mock draft reflects the dominance of Georgia’s football program and the wealth of talent it continues to produce. The three Bulldogs in question—each of whom plays a crucial role for Georgia—are not only among the top players in the country at their respective positions but are also widely regarded as future stars in the NFL.

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, Georgia’s impressive roster of prospects is expected to attract significant attention from NFL scouts and team executives. These three players, in particular, have the combination of talent, production, and intangibles that make them likely to be selected in the first round. Let’s dive into who these Bulldogs are, what makes them first-round talents, and how they fit into the NFL landscape.

1. Jalen Carter – Defensive Tackle

Perhaps the most highly touted Georgia Bulldog in the 2025 draft class is Jalen Carter, a dominant defensive tackle who has been a cornerstone of Georgia’s defense since his arrival on campus. Carter has emerged as one of the most feared interior defensive linemen in college football, and his combination of size, strength, and athleticism has earned him comparisons to some of the best defensive tackles in recent NFL history.

Physical Attributes and Playing Style

Carter is a 6-foot-3, 310-pound force in the middle of Georgia’s defensive line, and he uses his exceptional quickness and power to disrupt both the run and pass game. He possesses an ideal blend of size and agility that allows him to both clog up running lanes and collapse the pocket in passing situations. His ability to shed blocks with ease, paired with his relentless motor, makes him a nightmare for opposing offensive lines. Whether it’s getting to the quarterback or stopping a running back in his tracks, Carter is consistently in the backfield, wreaking havoc.

Carter’s quickness off the line of scrimmage and ability to disengage from blockers are traits that NFL teams covet in defensive linemen. He also has an excellent understanding of leverage and hand placement, two skills that help him dominate in the trenches. His versatility allows him to play multiple positions along the defensive line, making him an ideal fit for NFL teams that employ various defensive schemes.

NFL Projection

Carter has long been regarded as a future top-five pick, and his performance in the 2024 season should only solidify that status. NFL teams are always in need of elite interior pass rushers, and Carter’s potential to dominate at the next level is undeniable. His ability to control the line of scrimmage, collapse the pocket, and impact the game from the interior will make him a highly coveted prospect.

Teams like the Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, and New York Giants, all of whom are expected to have high draft picks in 2025, could be in the market for a player of Carter’s caliber to bolster their defensive lines. Carter’s presence would immediately improve any team’s ability to stop the run and generate pressure up the middle, an invaluable asset in today’s NFL.

2. Brock Bowers – Tight End

Another Georgia Bulldog projected to be selected in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft is Brock Bowers, one of the most dynamic and versatile tight ends in college football. Bowers has been a standout player for the Bulldogs since his freshman season, and his ability to impact the game in a variety of ways has made him one of the top prospects at his position. As Georgia’s primary weapon in the passing game, Bowers has consistently demonstrated his ability to create mismatches for opposing defenses.

Physical Attributes and Playing Style

Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing in at 240 pounds, Bowers combines elite size with outstanding athleticism. He possesses exceptional speed and agility for a tight end, making him a nightmare for defenders, whether they’re defensive backs or linebackers. Bowers has the ability to stretch the field vertically, making him a deep threat in Georgia’s offense, while also being capable of blocking effectively in the run game. His size and strength allow him to dominate in one-on-one matchups, and his ability to create separation with his route running makes him a reliable option in both short and deep passing situations.

What sets Bowers apart from other tight ends is his versatility. He can line up in multiple positions along the line of scrimmage and in the slot, creating mismatches wherever he is placed. His exceptional hands and ability to catch passes in traffic make him a weapon in the red zone, while his yards-after-catch ability allows him to break tackles and turn short passes into big gains.

Bowers’ football IQ is also impressive; he reads defenses well and understands how to find soft spots in coverage. His work ethic and commitment to improving his game are qualities that NFL teams highly value, making him a well-rounded prospect who has the potential to excel in a variety of roles at the next level.

NFL Projection

Bowers is expected to be one of the first tight ends off the board in the 2025 NFL Draft, and many experts believe he has the potential to be a top-ten pick. His ability to dominate as both a receiver and a blocker gives him the versatility that NFL teams look for in modern tight ends. Teams in need of a playmaking weapon at the tight end position, such as the San Francisco 49ers, the Indianapolis Colts, or the New England Patriots, will likely target Bowers in the first round.

Bowers is the type of player who can change the game with his presence on the field. His ability to create mismatches against both linebackers and defensive backs makes him a weapon that can be used in a variety of offensive schemes. His impact on the passing game, combined with his blocking ability, ensures that he will be an immediate contributor at the NFL level.

3. Kelee Ringo – Cornerback

The third Georgia Bulldog projected to be selected in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft is Kelee Ringo, a cornerback who has developed into one of the top defensive backs in the country. Ringo has been a standout for the Bulldogs since his freshman year, and his combination of size, speed, and ball skills makes him one of the most intriguing cornerback prospects in recent memory.

Physical Attributes and Playing Style

Ringo stands at 6-foot-2 and weighs 210 pounds, giving him the size to compete with the bigger wide receivers in the NFL. His physicality and ability to disrupt receivers at the line of scrimmage make him a tough cover for offensive players. Ringo also possesses elite speed, with the ability to keep up with the fastest wide receivers in the country, as evidenced by his performance at Georgia’s pro day. His athleticism allows him to match up with a variety of receivers, whether they’re fast and explosive or big and physical.

One of Ringo’s most impressive traits is his ball skills. He has demonstrated an ability to track the ball downfield, and his ability to make plays on the ball in crucial moments makes him a game-changing defender. Whether it’s intercepting passes or breaking up key throws, Ringo has the instinct and the hands to be a turnover machine at the next level. Additionally, Ringo is a strong tackler in run support, and his physicality in the open field is a welcome asset for NFL teams looking for a cornerback who can contribute in all facets of the game.

NFL Projection

Ringo has long been considered a first-round talent, and his potential to be a shutdown cornerback at the NFL level makes him an attractive prospect for teams in need of defensive help in their secondary. With the NFL becoming increasingly pass-heavy, the demand for elite cornerbacks has never been higher, and Ringo fits the mold of a player who can immediately come in and start for a team.

Teams such as the Philadelphia Eagles, the Detroit Lions, and the Minnesota Vikings—who are all expected to have first-round picks—could look to bolster their secondary with a player like Ringo. His combination of size, speed, and ball skills gives him the potential to become a top-tier cornerback in the NFL, and his ability to match up against both speedy and physical receivers will make him an asset for any defense.