It's that time of the year where Georgia football fans have to anxiously wait to see what their favorite Bulldogs are going to decide to do. Whether it be deciding to enter the transfer portal, return to Georgia next year or declare for the NFL Draft, now is the time when each player for Georgia has to make a decision.
And while some players like Christen Miller have already decided to return for one more season, there have been a few players who have declared for the 2025 NFL Draft.
Offensive Lineman Tate Ratledge
Offensive lineman Tate Rateledge was the first of two players to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft.
#GoDawgs pic.twitter.com/Q36j92C8be
— Tate Ratledge (@tateratledge22) January 5, 2025
Ratledge just finished his senior season with Georgia that unfortunately didn't go exactly as he had hoped. Ratledge had to deal with a few injuries this season that kept him out for a couple games, but that didn't stop him from impressing everyone all season long.
This season went so well for Ratledge that he earned First Team All-SEC honors from the coaches and Associated Press while also earning Third Team All-American honors from the Associated Press as well. Ratledge likely won't be drafted as high as some other Bulldogs at this year's draft, but whoever does take him will be getting a very solid player who will be ready to go immediately.
Linebacker Jalon Walker
The second Bulldog to announce of his intentions to enter the NFL Draft is linebacker Jalon Walker.
One of the greatest leaders and best players to ever wear the red and black. Go be great @JalonWlaker 🫡 pic.twitter.com/1dRSzmRslp
— UGA Spike Squad (@UGASPIKESQUAD) January 6, 2025
Walker is fresh off one of the best defensive seasons in Georgia history. He finished the 2024 campaign with 61 tackles which included 6.5 sacks. Walker also recovered two fumbles this season as well.
After such a great season, Walker earned countless postseason awards. But the greatest award he earned was the Butkus Award, which goes to the nation's best linebacker.
It will be very difficult if not impossible to replace Walker next season, but his decision to enter the draft instead of returning to Georgia for another year is not surprising at all. It will be fun to see who decides to draft Walker, because whoever does will be adding an immediate playmaker to their team that will likely be a day one starter.