With a top-five ranked defensive unit for 2025, it's no surprise that Georgia linebackers are constantnly getting drafted by NFL teams. As the heart of any defense, linebackers like Baltimore Raven Roquan Smith and Green Bay Packer Quay Walker have had major impact for their teams after being drafted from UGA.
Georgia's recent dominance under head coach Kirby Smart has centered around the defense, with the linebackers leading the way. UGA has produced three Butkus award winners in recent years which is given to the most outstanding linebacker in college football. No team has come close to this kind of recognition.
Two National Championships and an enviable record of 105-19 have attracted NFL scouts for all types of Georgia players during the Smart era, but it's the linebackers that are getting a majority of that attention.
Georgia the "go-to team" for future NFL linebackers
Half a dozen pro teams have drafted Georgia linebackers to establish key roles in their defenses. From Chaz Chambliss (Vikings) and Monty Rice (Patriots), to Channing Tindall (Dolphins) and Jalon Walker (Falcons), the Bulldogs are well represented in the NFL. The Philadelphia Eagles are becoming the Athens of the North with no less than four UGA linebackers (Dean, Smael Mondon, Jr, Azeez Ojulari, and Nolan Smith, Jr.).
Perhaps other NFL teams should take notice of the Eagles prowess with Bulldog players. Since the 2022 NFL Draft when they loaded up with Nakobe Dean, the Eagles have had two Super Bowl appearances and one Championship. Sure, all the positions on an NFL team play a key role in molding a team into a winner, but it's impossible to ignore the success they've found with all the Georgia players on their roster.
But UGA's dominance on defense, especially at the linebacker position, should grab the attention of any NFL general manager to start making Georgia a must-have destination as Linebacker U. Do the Eagles have to win another Super Bowl to prove that point?