Georgia football continues to be a factory for elite defensive talent, and the 2025 NFL Draft proved no different. Three of the Bulldogs’ biggest stars were taken in the first round, and each of them landed in a spot where they can make an immediate impact. Here’s how they fit with their new teams:
Mykel Williams – DE, San Francisco 49ers (11th Overall)
The San Francisco 49ers addressed a glaring need by selecting Mykel Williams at No. 11. San Francisco is at its best when they dominate the line of scrimmage, but that hasn’t been the case recently. Last season, the Niners managed just 37 sacks which was 24th in the league.
Williams, at 6-foot-5 and 265 pounds, brings rare size, long arms, and solid athleticism. He’s already strong against the run, but his development as a pass rusher will be crucial. With Nick Bosa demanding attention on one side, Williams will have opportunities to grow and thrive on the other side. If he can take that next step, the 49ers could rebuild the fearsome front that once defined their defense.
Jalon Walker – LB/EDGE, Atlanta Falcons (13th Overall)
The 2024 Butkus Award winner and emotional leader of Georgia’s defense is now the newest member of the Atlanta Falcons. Jalon Walker’s leadership will be welcomed, but what truly justifies his top 15 selection is his positional versatility and elite traits.
Walker can line up as an inside linebacker or off the edge and make an impact from either spot. His explosive first step and closing speed fit perfectly in today’s NFL, where players like Micah Parsons have redefined hybrid linebacker roles.
The Falcons badly need help in the pass-rush department as they finished 31st in sacks last season (31 total). While Walker is slightly undersized at 6-foot-1, 240 pounds, his athleticism, instincts, and physicality make up for it. He has all the tools to become a foundational defensive piece in Atlanta, which Georgia fans would absolutely love to see.
Malaki Starks – S, Baltimore Ravens (25th Overall)
Arguably the steal of the first round, Malaki Starks heads to Baltimore to join an already elite secondary. Despite a slight dip in production last season, Starks remained the top safety prospect on most boards thanks to his high level instincts, range, and ball skills.
In Baltimore, he’ll pair with All-Pro safety Kyle Hamilton to form one of the NFL’s most versatile and intelligent duos. Both players can line up deep, in the box, or even in the nickel, giving defensive coordinator Zach Orr tremendous flexibility.
Starks is expected to handle more of the center-field responsibilities, allowing Hamilton to play downhill and closer to the line, where he thrives as a playmaker. Add in cornerbacks Marlon Humphrey and first-round pick Nate Wiggins, and the Ravens’ secondary could be the best in the league in 2025.
Closing Thoughts
Georgia’s defensive pipeline once again delivered NFL-ready talent. Williams, Walker, and Starks all landed in situations where their unique skill sets align with team needs. If each player develops as expected, this trio could be cornerstones for their franchises for years to come.