Howie Roseman, general manager of the Eagles, explains why former Georgia Bulldogs players are so draftable.

The NFL Draft is an event that captivates the sports world, as it presents a glimpse into the future of professional football. Each year, general managers, coaches, and scouts evaluate prospects from across the country, looking for the next generation of stars. For Howie Roseman, the general manager of the Philadelphia Eagles, one program consistently stands out when it comes to producing players who are ready to contribute at the highest level: the University of Georgia.

Under Roseman’s leadership, the Eagles have built a roster that has consistently competed at a high level, with a focus on drafting top talent, especially from proven college programs. One program that has increasingly captured Roseman’s attention is Georgia, which has become a consistent powerhouse in both the SEC and national college football. With Georgia’s recent dominance, particularly on defense, the Bulldogs have become a prime source for top-tier NFL talent. This trend has not gone unnoticed by Roseman, who has shared his thoughts on why Georgia players are so draftable and how their skill sets translate to the NFL.

In this article, we will explore Howie Roseman’s perspective on why former Georgia Bulldogs are so highly sought after in the NFL Draft. We’ll break down the key traits and qualities that make Georgia players so attractive to NFL teams, particularly the Eagles, and delve into why these players are becoming a dominant force in the league. We’ll also take a look at the evolution of Georgia football under head coach Kirby Smart and how it has produced some of the most draftable prospects in recent memory.

The Georgia Bulldogs’ Rise to Prominence

To understand why Georgia players are so highly draftable, it’s important to first look at the program’s rise to prominence under Kirby Smart, who took over as head coach in 2016. Since Smart’s arrival, Georgia has transformed into one of the most dominant programs in college football. His emphasis on recruiting, player development, and a physical, disciplined style of play has turned the Bulldogs into a consistent contender for the College Football Playoff.

The Bulldogs have been known for their strong, hard-hitting defense, but under Smart’s leadership, they’ve also become an offensive powerhouse, producing some of the most dynamic players in college football. Players such as Nick Chubb, Sony Michel, Roquan Smith, Deandre Baker, Javon Bullard, and Jalen Carter are just a few examples of the talent that Georgia has developed in recent years. The program has produced multiple first-round picks and players who have gone on to have immediate success in the NFL.

Smart’s ability to recruit and develop top talent has made Georgia one of the premier football programs in the country. His recruiting classes have been consistently ranked among the best in the nation, and the players coming out of Georgia are known for their physicality, football IQ, and preparation for the next level.

For Howie Roseman and the Eagles, Georgia’s success on the field and in player development makes the Bulldogs a prime target for draft picks. Roseman has long been a believer in selecting players from programs that are built to win championships, and Georgia has firmly entrenched itself in that category.

Howie Roseman’s Philosophy on Drafting Players from Winning Programs

Howie Roseman has built a successful NFL franchise by adhering to a strong draft philosophy. Roseman is known for his ability to identify talent and build teams that are deep, balanced, and well-prepared for the rigors of the NFL. One of the cornerstones of his approach is selecting players from winning programs, where success is a consistent part of the team’s culture.

Roseman’s rationale is simple: players who come from winning programs are accustomed to the high expectations, the pressure to perform, and the rigors of big-time college football. They have been tested in the highest-stakes games and have proven themselves capable of handling pressure. For Roseman and the Eagles, this means drafting players who are not only physically talented but mentally tough and ready to step into an NFL locker room and contribute from day one.

Georgia fits this mold perfectly. Over the last several years, the Bulldogs have been among the top teams in the country, competing for SEC titles and national championships. Players from Georgia have learned to compete at the highest level, often in front of large crowds and with playoff implications on the line. They are battle-tested, and their success in college football translates well to the NFL, where the level of competition is even higher.

In a recent interview, Roseman explained that players from successful programs like Georgia tend to have an edge when it comes to their development and readiness for the NFL. “When you’re drafting from a program like Georgia, you know you’re getting a player who has been coached by one of the best in Kirby Smart. These players are used to winning and playing in big games. They have a certain level of discipline and drive that you can’t teach,” said Roseman.

Key Traits of Georgia Players That Make Them Draftable

There are several key traits and qualities that make Georgia Bulldogs players particularly attractive to NFL teams like the Eagles. Below, we’ll explore these traits in greater detail and explain why they are essential for success at the professional level.

1. Physicality and Toughness

One of the most prominent qualities of Georgia Bulldogs players is their physicality. Georgia has long been known for its hard-hitting, physical style of play, particularly on defense. Under Kirby Smart, the Bulldogs have built one of the most physical and aggressive defenses in college football. Players like Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, and Nakobe Dean are known for their ability to dominate at the point of attack, overpower opponents, and make plays in the trenches.

This physicality is a key reason why Georgia players are so attractive to NFL teams, including the Eagles. In the NFL, teams need players who can withstand the grind of a 17-game season and play at a high level week in and week out. Physicality and toughness are non-negotiable traits, and Georgia players bring these attributes in abundance.

2. Football IQ and Versatility

Another key reason why Georgia players are so draftable is their football IQ. Kirby Smart’s coaching staff emphasizes developing well-rounded players who understand the game on a deeper level. Whether it’s recognizing offensive schemes, making adjustments on the fly, or reading the quarterback’s eyes, Georgia players are trained to think quickly and make smart decisions in the heat of the moment.

Georgia players also tend to be versatile, meaning they can contribute in multiple roles on the field. For example, players like Javon Bullard and Kelee Ringo have shown the ability to excel in both man and zone coverage, while Zamir White has proven himself to be a dynamic threat both as a ball carrier and a pass catcher. This versatility is invaluable in the NFL, where players are often asked to fill multiple roles as part of a team’s overall scheme.

In the case of the Eagles, versatility is especially important given the team’s defensive and offensive schemes, which often require players to adapt and contribute in a variety of ways. Roseman knows that having players with a high football IQ and the ability to play multiple positions can be a huge asset to a team, particularly one looking to compete for championships.

3. Work Ethic and Leadership

At Georgia, players are taught to be disciplined and hardworking, values that are essential for success at the next level. Kirby Smart has built a culture of accountability, where players are expected to give their best effort in every drill, every practice, and every game. This work ethic is a crucial part of why Georgia players are so highly regarded by NFL teams.

Additionally, leadership is a key component of the Georgia program. Many of the Bulldogs’ top players are natural leaders who are capable of motivating their teammates and setting a high standard of performance. Players like Stetson Bennett and Nakobe Dean have demonstrated their leadership abilities both on and off the field, earning the respect of their peers and coaches alike. This leadership is invaluable in the NFL, where team dynamics and locker room culture play a critical role in a team’s success.

Roseman has often cited leadership as one of the most important traits when evaluating draft prospects. “When you bring in a player from a program like Georgia, you know you’re getting a guy who’s been through the fire, who has been part of a winning culture, and who knows what it takes to lead a team,” said Roseman.

4. Proven Success in Big Games

Finally, Georgia players are battle-tested in big games. The Bulldogs consistently compete for SEC championships and play in high-pressure bowl games, including the College Football Playoff. This experience in high-stakes situations helps prepare Georgia players for the rigors of the NFL, where games are often decided in the final minutes and where players are expected to perform when the pressure is at its highest.

For Roseman and the Eagles, this proven success in big games is a key factor when evaluating prospects. Players who have thrived in high-pressure situations are more likely to succeed at the professional level, where the competition is fierce, and the stakes are higher than ever.