NFL Football Players from Georgia: An Overview of the Former Dawgs’ 2024 Performance

The University of Georgia has long been a breeding ground for elite football talent, consistently producing some of the best athletes in the country. As one of college football’s premier programs, Georgia has a rich history of NFL-bound players, and the 2024 season is no exception. Former Bulldogs are not only thriving at the professional level but are also making major impacts across multiple positions and teams. From first-round picks to undrafted free agents, the legacy of Georgia football continues to live on through its former players in the NFL.

As the 2024 NFL season unfolds, it’s time to look at how the former Georgia Bulldogs are performing across the league. With an emphasis on both rookies and veterans, we’ll break down the impact of these players—ranging from established stars to emerging talents—and how they’re contributing to their teams’ success. Whether on offense, defense, or special teams, Georgia alumni are once again proving that the program’s dominance on the collegiate level translates seamlessly into the NFL.

Key Georgia Bulldogs in the NFL: A Breakdown of Their 2024 Performances

1. Jalen Carter – Defensive Tackle, Philadelphia Eagles

Jalen Carter is undoubtedly one of the most talked-about rookies of the 2024 NFL season. The former Georgia defensive tackle, selected by the Philadelphia Eagles with the 9th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, arrived with sky-high expectations after a dominant college career. Known for his exceptional combination of size, strength, and athleticism, Carter has quickly acclimated to the NFL and is already making an impact on the Eagles’ defensive line.

In his rookie year, Carter has showcased his ability to disrupt the quarterback, clog running lanes, and be a powerful force in the trenches. Through the first half of the season, Carter has registered multiple sacks, numerous tackles for loss, and has been consistently disruptive in opposing backfields. His natural ability to penetrate the offensive line, combined with his quick first step and relentless motor, has made him a key contributor to the Eagles’ defensive success.

While Carter has yet to hit the 10-sack mark in his first season, his ability to influence the game even without registering sacks speaks to his potential. The Eagles’ defensive front, already one of the most formidable in the NFL, has only been enhanced by Carter’s presence, and his trajectory looks incredibly promising.

2. Nolan Smith – Edge Rusher, Philadelphia Eagles

Another former Georgia Bulldog on the Eagles’ defense is Nolan Smith, a standout pass rusher who was drafted in the first round (30th overall) of the 2024 NFL Draft. Smith was a key member of Georgia’s back-to-back national championship-winning teams, known for his speed, strength, and relentless edge-rushing abilities. In his rookie season, Smith has proven to be an immediate asset for the Eagles’ pass rush, providing speed and explosiveness off the edge.

Smith’s role as a situational pass rusher has allowed him to make an impact as a rookie, often coming in on third downs and long-yardage situations. His combination of athleticism and technique has helped him tally several quarterback pressures and sacks. Though Smith’s role is still growing, his ability to disrupt the pocket has made him a valuable part of the Eagles’ defense, and he is widely considered one of the rookies with the highest upside in the league.

3. Broderick Jones – Offensive Tackle, Pittsburgh Steelers

Broderick Jones, the former Georgia left tackle who helped protect quarterback Stetson Bennett’s blind side during Georgia’s national championship runs, was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers with the 14th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Jones entered the NFL with high expectations due to his size (6’5″, 311 pounds) and athleticism, which made him one of the most sought-after offensive linemen in the draft.

In 2024, Jones has become an integral part of the Steelers’ offensive line. As a rookie, he has quickly emerged as the starting left tackle, a position that is crucial for protecting the quarterback. Through the first half of the season, Jones has shown the ability to pass block with power and finesse while also excelling as a run blocker. The Steelers’ offensive line has benefited from his presence, and he has developed a strong rapport with the team’s quarterback, Kenny Pickett.

Jones’ early-season performance has impressed coaches and analysts alike, and he has already demonstrated the potential to be a franchise left tackle for Pittsburgh. His ability to keep defensive linemen at bay while also creating space in the run game bodes well for his future in the NFL.

4. Kelee Ringo – Cornerback, Philadelphia Eagles

One of the most high-profile defensive backs to come out of Georgia in recent years, Kelee Ringo was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2nd round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Ringo’s combination of size (6’2″, 210 pounds) and athleticism made him an attractive prospect for any team looking to bolster its secondary. In his rookie season, Ringo has shown he has the tools to be an immediate contributor to a championship-caliber defense.

Ringo’s ability to shut down receivers on the outside, his physicality in contested situations, and his ball skills have made him a standout in Philadelphia’s secondary. He has already registered a handful of pass breakups and an interception, demonstrating his ability to perform in crucial moments. His growth as a cornerback has been one of the key storylines for the Eagles’ defense, and his future in the NFL looks bright.

5. Jordan Davis – Defensive Tackle, Philadelphia Eagles

Jordan Davis, a former Georgia standout and first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, has continued to develop into one of the most formidable defensive tackles in the league. Standing at 6’6″ and weighing 340 pounds, Davis is an absolute force on the defensive line. In 2024, Davis has taken his game to the next level, becoming a critical component of the Eagles’ defense.

Davis excels in run-stopping situations, using his size and strength to clog the middle and prevent running backs from gaining momentum. Though he isn’t primarily known for his pass-rushing ability, Davis has shown flashes of disrupting quarterbacks with his power and speed. His leadership and presence on the defensive line have been key in making the Eagles one of the toughest defenses in the NFL, and he continues to be a centerpiece for their defensive front.

6. D’Andre Swift – Running Back, Philadelphia Eagles

One of the most successful former Bulldogs in the NFL is D’Andre Swift, who has emerged as one of the top running backs in the NFL. After spending the early part of his career with the Detroit Lions, Swift was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles in 2024. He has proven to be an explosive, dual-threat back who is capable of both running the football and contributing in the passing game.

Swift’s ability to break tackles, accelerate through holes, and catch passes out of the backfield has made him a perfect fit for the Eagles’ high-powered offense. In 2024, he has been a key contributor to their offensive success, with multiple 100-yard games and a handful of touchdowns. Swift’s versatility has made him an essential weapon in Philadelphia’s run-heavy attack, and he continues to show why he was one of the top backs coming out of Georgia.

7. J.R. Reed – Safety, Dallas Cowboys

J.R. Reed, a safety who was an integral part of Georgia’s defense for several years, has found his niche in the NFL after being drafted by the Dallas Cowboys. Though not a household name, Reed has carved out a role as a reliable contributor in the Cowboys’ secondary. His strong tackling ability, ability to read the quarterback, and versatility in coverage have made him a dependable asset for Dallas.

In 2024, Reed has been a consistent presence in the Cowboys’ defensive backfield, often tasked with playing the deep safety position or lining up in the box to stop the run. His understanding of the game and ability to make crucial stops have kept him relevant in an increasingly competitive safety market.

8. George Pickens – Wide Receiver, Pittsburgh Steelers

George Pickens, who was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022, has blossomed into one of the NFL’s most exciting young wide receivers. The former Georgia star is known for his incredible catch radius, deep ball skills, and physicality as a receiver. In 2024, Pickens has continued to develop into a key piece of the Steelers’ offense, emerging as a go-to target for quarterback Kenny Pickett.

Through the first part of the 2024 season, Pickens has tallied several impressive highlight-reel catches, and he has established himself as one of the league’s best young wideouts. His ability to make plays in crucial moments has made him a fan favorite in Pittsburgh, and his trajectory suggests he will only continue to get better in the years to come.

The Dawgs Are Everywhere in the NFL

As we look at the 2024 NFL season, it’s evident that the University of Georgia’s football program continues to produce elite talent that excels at the highest level of competition. From dominant defensive linemen like Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis to explosive playmakers like D’Andre Swift and George Pickens, former Bulldogs are making significant contributions to their teams across the league.

As Georgia’s dominance in college football shows no signs of slowing down, it’s clear that the program will continue to send talented players to the NFL who are ready to contribute from day one. The success of former Bulldogs in the NFL serves as a testament to the coaching, development, and culture fostered at the University of Georgia—a culture that breeds future NFL stars year after year.

For Georgia fans, watching these former Dawgs perform on the big stage is

an exciting glimpse into the future of the program and the continued impact of Georgia football on the professional level. Whether it’s rookies like Jalen Carter and Nolan Smith or veterans like D’Andre Swift and George Pickens, the Bulldogs are well-represented in the NFL, and their presence will only continue to grow in the years to come.