Mykel Williams entered Georgia as a five-star recruit and quickly established himself as one of the most dominant pass rushers in college football. At 6’5″, 265 pounds, Williams combines elite athleticism with impressive power, making him a nightmare for offensive linemen. He showcased his talent throughout his time at Georgia, accumulating double-digit sacks in his final season and proving he could take over games.
Williams’ greatest strength is his versatility. He can win with speed off the edge, but he also has the power to bull-rush tackles and collapse the pocket. His hand usage is advanced for a college player, and his ability to disengage from blockers makes him a disruptive force against both the run and the pass.
Selected in the top 10, Williams is expected to make an immediate impact in the NFL. His ability to line up in multiple positions along the defensive front makes him a valuable chess piece for defensive coordinators. He projects as a three-down player who can contribute from day one, and if he continues to refine his technique, he has the potential to be a perennial Pro Bowler.
Kamari Lassiter emerged as one of the most reliable cornerbacks in the SEC during his time at Georgia. Standing at 6’0″ and 185 pounds, he may not have the elite size of some modern NFL corners, but he makes up for it with incredible footwork, instincts, and physicality. Lassiter excelled in both man and zone coverage, consistently shutting down top SEC receivers.
One of his biggest strengths is his ability to anticipate routes and make plays on the ball. He isn’t just a coverage specialist—he’s also a willing tackler who plays with a toughness that NFL scouts love. His ability to mirror receivers and his quick reaction time make him a difficult player to beat, even against top competition.
Lassiter was taken in the middle of the first round, landing with a team that values physical, smart defensive backs. His ability to play inside or outside gives him added value, and he has the potential to start early in his rookie season. While he may not be the fastest corner in the draft, his technique and football IQ make him a strong candidate to develop into a lockdown defender at the next level.
Georgia’s defensive dominance has often started in the trenches, and Nazir Stackhouse was a key piece of that interior front. At 6’3″ and 320 pounds, Stackhouse was a force against the run, consistently clogging gaps and making life difficult for opposing offenses. While he may not have the pass-rushing upside of former Georgia interior linemen like Jalen Carter or Jordan Davis, he is an elite run-stopper with the potential to develop more as a pass rusher.
Stackhouse’s ability to anchor the line and take on double teams allowed Georgia’s linebackers to thrive. His sheer strength and leverage make him difficult to move, and his motor ensures he’s always around the ball. Though his sack numbers weren’t eye-popping, his impact on the game was undeniable.
Stackhouse was selected toward the back half of the first round, going to a team that needed a run-stuffing presence in the middle. While he may not be an immediate three-down player, he’ll be a valuable asset in early downs and short-yardage situations. If he can develop his pass-rushing moves, he has the potential to be a dominant force in the league for years to come.
With three first-rounders in 2024, Georgia continues to solidify itself as one of the best programs for developing NFL-ready defenders. The Bulldogs’ defensive success isn’t just a fluke—it’s the result of elite recruiting, top-tier coaching, and a culture of toughness and discipline.
Since head coach Kirby Smart took over, Georgia has consistently produced elite talent on defense, with multiple first-round picks in recent years, including:
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2022 Draft: Travon Walker (No. 1 overall), Jordan Davis, Quay Walker, Devonte Wyatt, Lewis Cine
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2023 Draft: Jalen Carter, Nolan Smith
The 2024 class continues this trend, and there’s no reason to believe Georgia’s defensive dominance will slow down anytime soon. With more elite recruits waiting in the wings, expect the Bulldogs to keep sending defensive stars to the NFL for years to come.
Georgia’s ability to produce first-round defensive talent is unmatched in today’s college football landscape. Mykel Williams, Kamari Lassiter, and Nazir Stackhouse all bring unique skill sets to the NFL, and their impact at the next level will be something to watch closely. As Georgia continues to dominate on defense, don’t be surprised if we’re talking about another crop of first-round Bulldogs this time next year.
