Every year, hundreds of talented young men dream of hearing their names called in the NFL Draft. A moment so overwhelming in fact, that we have seen the largest amongst them turn into big teddy bears, melt into the arms of a loved-one and literally be brought to tears.
It is truly a rare and prestigious honor to play football at the NFL level. After all, only 1.6% of all college football players make it to the next level.
As NFL teams meet for the 90th time for their annual rendition of the NFL Draft, the Georgia football program will once again serve as a steady funnel of talent to the NFL ranks. From all-time greats such as Fran Tarkenton, Herschel Walker and Champ Bailey to future Hall of Famers like Matthew Stafford, there has never been a shortage of talent walking through the halls of the Butts-Mere building. And this year will be no exception.
The Bulldogs have a total of 16 players who are eligible to be taken in the 2025 NFL Draft. Seven are early-entry underclassmen and nine have exhausted all of their college eligibility. Of the 16 draft-eligible players, six are projected to go within the first three rounds.
These projections are subjective and are by no means absolute as there are many months of showcases, interviews, combines and college Pro Days left before the draft. But Kirby Smart once again has made his program the focal point of many NFL scouts. So let's look at each of these six former star Bulldogs and discuss their prospects of getting drafted within the first three rounds of this year’s draft.
Malaki Starks* | Safety | 6’1” 205 lbs
Projection: 1st Round
Malaki Starks established himself as one of college football's most complete safeties after a three-year career at Georgia. Starks has a rare combination of size, speed, exceptional hands and coverage skills that many feel will have Starks' name called within the first 15 picks of this year's draft.
2024 season: 77 tackles, three pass deflections, one interception
Mykel Williams* | EDGE | 6’5” 265 lbs
Projection: 1st Round
Mykel Williams brings a physical presence that NFL scouts will salivate over. Williams is an agile, powerful and explosive athlete, who understands pad level, hand placement and how to use his long arms to keep offensive lineman away from his body. He is also just as dominant against the run as he is on passing downs. Williams could very well be the first Bulldog taken in the 2025 NFL Draft.
2024 season: 21 tackles, five sacks, two forced fumbles
Jalon Walker* | EDGE/LB | 6’2” 245 lbs
Projection: 1st Round
When you think of Jalon Walker, think of Micah Parsons. Not in terms of talent per se, but in terms of how NFL teams can utilize him and his skillset. Walker’s versatility, productivity, burst, sure-tackling and nonstop motor is the NFL's idea of development personified, as he came to Georgia as a middle linebacker prospect with no relative edge rush experience. Just like Williams, Walker could be the first Bulldog off the board with the potential to be drafted as high as top 10 in the draft.
2024 season: 61 tackles, 6.5 sacks,two2 pass deflections, two fumble recoveries
Tate Ratledge | OL | 6'6” 320 lbs
Projection: 3rd Round
Tate Ratledge is by far Georgia’s most polished and experienced offensive lineman prospect. A 3-year starter for the Bulldogs, Ratledge was the unmistakable leader of Georgia’s offensive line in 2024. He was effective in both pass protection and run blocking and definitely has the potential to see the field early at the NFL level.
Dylan Fairchild* | OL | 6’5” 315 lbs
Projection: 3rd Round
Dylan Fairchild surprised some by declaring for the NFL draft, as many felt another year of game film and experience would maximize his draft stock. Nonetheless, Fairchild is a high-quality NFL prospect who projects as an interior lineman. A 2-year starter at Georgia, Fairchild’s length and lateral quickness are attributes that he will surely use to his advantage.
Smael Mondon | LB | 6’3” 235 lbs
Projection: 3rd Round
Smael Mondon is the prototypical downhill linebacker that brings great size, intelligence and experience to the position. Mondon missed time in 2024due to a foot injury, but he was still able to be a force on a stingy and talented Georgia defense. Mondon totaled 212 tackles over four seasons as a starter for the Bulldogs and his versatility as a good tackler and his above-average coverage skills makes him an ideal selection for NFL teams.
2024 season: 57 tackles, 3 sacks
The 2025 NFL draft is scheduled to be held at Lambeau Field and its adjacent Titletown District in Green Bay, Wisconsin, on April 24–26, 2025.