The University of Georgia (UGA) Bulldogs have become a powerhouse in college football, consistently producing elite talent that transitions seamlessly into the National Football League (NFL). The Bulldogs’ football program has long been recognized for its ability to recruit top-tier athletes, and in recent years, UGA has further solidified its place among the elite programs in the country with multiple national championships. As of Daniel Jeremiah’s latest top 50 draft rankings for the 2025 NFL Draft, three Georgia Bulldogs stand out among the best prospects.
Daniel Jeremiah, a respected NFL analyst, compiles these rankings based on scouting reports, player evaluations, and overall potential for success at the professional level. The three Georgia Bulldogs featured in his top 50 rankings—Jalen Carter, Brock Bowers, and Nolan Smith—each bring a unique set of skills and attributes to the table. These players have been integral to Georgia’s recent success, and each is poised to make a significant impact at the next level.
In this article, we will take an in-depth look at these three players, analyzing their college careers, skill sets, and projected futures in the NFL. From Jalen Carter’s dominance on the defensive line to Brock Bowers’ unmatched talent at tight end, and Nolan Smith’s high-energy pass-rushing ability, these Bulldogs have the potential to leave a lasting mark on the league.
Jalen Carter: The Disruptive Force on the Defensive Line
College Career
Jalen Carter has been the anchor of Georgia’s formidable defensive line for the past few seasons. A native of Apopka, Florida, Carter was a five-star recruit coming out of high school, and he quickly lived up to the hype. During his time at UGA, Carter developed into one of the most disruptive and dominant forces in college football, consistently terrorizing opposing offenses.
Carter’s 2022 season was a breakout year, as he recorded 37 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, and 3 sacks while being a constant force in the trenches. His ability to control the line of scrimmage, disrupt running plays, and pressure quarterbacks made him a standout on a defense full of future NFL talent. Carter was a key contributor to Georgia’s 2022 national championship run, earning recognition as one of the top defensive players in the country.
Physical Attributes and Playing Style
Carter’s combination of size, strength, and athleticism is rare for a player of his position. Standing at 6’3” and weighing around 310 pounds, Carter possesses the frame to clog up running lanes while also having the agility and quickness to be effective as a pass rusher. His ability to overpower blockers with his strength and use his quickness to beat them with finesse makes him a nightmare for offensive linemen.
What sets Carter apart from other defensive tackles is his versatility. He is capable of playing both as a 3-technique defensive tackle, where he can rush the passer from the interior, or as a nose tackle in a 3-4 defensive scheme. His quick first step allows him to penetrate the line of scrimmage, and his hands are quick and violent, making it difficult for blockers to latch onto him.
In the NFL, Carter projects as a three-down defensive tackle who can disrupt the pocket, stop the run, and collapse the interior of the offensive line. His ability to read the play and adjust on the fly makes him a highly coveted prospect.
NFL Projection
Carter’s ceiling in the NFL is sky-high, and his impact is expected to be immediate. His power and versatility make him a fit for multiple defensive schemes, and his ability to wreak havoc in both the run game and as a pass rusher will make him one of the most coveted defensive prospects in the 2025 draft. NFL teams in need of a dominant interior defender will be lining up for a chance to draft Carter.
Projected as a top 10 pick, Carter is poised to be an immediate starter and a centerpiece of a defensive line for whichever team selects him. With his combination of size, strength, and skill, Carter has the potential to develop into one of the premier defensive tackles in the league.
Brock Bowers: The Future of the Tight End Position
College Career
Brock Bowers, a 6’4”, 230-pound tight end, has been a key player for the Georgia Bulldogs since his freshman year. Bowers is often described as a “positionless” player due to his unique combination of size, speed, and playmaking ability. He is a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses, as he possesses the blocking skills of a traditional tight end while also having the speed and athleticism of a wide receiver.
In his first two seasons at Georgia, Bowers became one of the most dominant players in college football. He amassed 1,100+ receiving yards in both seasons, with 14 total touchdowns over the two years. His ability to stretch the field, make spectacular catches, and create mismatches in the passing game made him one of the top offensive weapons for the Bulldogs.
Bowers played a pivotal role in Georgia’s 2022 national championship victory, contributing both as a blocker and a receiving threat. His ability to make clutch catches in key moments helped solidify Georgia’s offense as one of the most potent in the country.
Physical Attributes and Playing Style
Bowers is an athletic marvel, with the speed to outrun linebackers and the size to overpower defensive backs. His 4.5-second 40-yard dash time is exceptional for a player of his size, and his ability to change direction and create separation makes him a dangerous weapon in the open field.
As a receiver, Bowers excels at running sharp routes and using his size to box out defenders. He has excellent hands and is capable of making difficult catches in traffic, often elevating to snatch passes at their highest point. His ability to track the ball in the air, combined with his strong hands, makes him a reliable target in clutch situations.
While Bowers is primarily known for his receiving ability, he is also an excellent blocker. He has a physical presence in the run game, using his size and strength to create space for Georgia’s running backs. His versatility in both the passing and running games makes him one of the most complete tight ends in college football.
NFL Projection
Brock Bowers is widely considered the top tight end prospect in the 2025 draft class and one of the most complete offensive players in the country. His ability to impact the game both as a blocker and a pass catcher makes him an attractive option for NFL teams looking for a dynamic, all-around weapon at tight end.
Bowers is expected to be a top 15 pick in the 2025 draft, and his potential to be a game-changer at the next level is immense. NFL teams that prioritize a dual-threat tight end who can contribute in both the passing and running games will find Bowers to be a perfect fit. His seamless transition into the NFL is highly anticipated, and many believe he will become one of the league’s premier tight ends for years to come.
Nolan Smith: The Explosive Pass Rusher
College Career
Nolan Smith, a 6’3”, 235-pound linebacker and pass rusher, has been a standout player for the Georgia Bulldogs throughout his career. A native of Savannah, Georgia, Smith was a highly regarded recruit coming out of high school, and he has lived up to expectations with a stellar college career.
During his time at Georgia, Smith has been a constant presence in the backfield, accumulating 25+ tackles for loss and 10+ sacks over his career. His explosiveness off the edge, combined with his relentless motor and high football IQ, made him one of the top pass rushers in the country.
Smith’s performance during Georgia’s national championship season in 2022 was particularly impressive. He recorded 7.5 sacks and 13 tackles for loss, often dominating in big games. His ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks and make plays in critical moments solidified his status as one of the top defensive prospects in the country.
Physical Attributes and Playing Style
Smith’s speed and explosiveness off the edge are his most defining traits. With a 4.5-second 40-yard dash, he is one of the fastest edge rushers in the draft class, and his quick first step allows him to consistently beat offensive tackles to the quarterback. Smith’s agility and flexibility also allow him to bend around the edge, which makes him difficult to block for opposing offensive linemen.
In addition to his pass-rushing ability, Smith is also a solid run defender. He plays with great leverage and can disengage from blockers with ease. His versatility allows him to play as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme or as a traditional defensive end in a 4-3 scheme, making him an ideal prospect for NFL teams looking for a hybrid pass rusher.
NFL Projection
Smith is considered one of the top edge rushers in the 2025 draft class, and his combination of speed, strength, and technical ability will make him an immediate impact player in the NFL. His versatility and ability to play both as a linebacker and a defensive lineman make him a valuable asset for any team.
Projected as a first-round pick, Smith will likely be selected by a team in need of a dynamic pass rusher. His high motor, ability to change direction quickly, and penchant for making plays in critical moments will make him an invaluable asset at the next level. Smith has the potential to develop into one of the league’s top pass rushers and could be a key player for years to come.
The three Georgia Bulldogs featured in Daniel Jeremiah’s top 50 draft rankings—Jalen Carter, Brock Bowers, and Nolan Smith—each bring unique talents and skills that make them stand out as potential future stars in the NFL. From Jalen Carter’s disruptive power on the defensive line to Brock Bowers’ versatility at tight end and Nolan Smith’s explosive pass-rushing ability, each player has the potential to make an immediate impact in the league.
These players represent the pinnacle of Georgia’s recruiting efforts, and their continued success in the NFL will only further cement the program’s status as a top producer of professional football talent. As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, all eyes will be on these Bulldogs as they look to take the next step in their football careers and continue to showcase the incredible talent that has made Georgia one of the most feared programs in college football.
