As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the NFL landscape is once again brimming with excitement, particularly for teams with ties to college powerhouses, such as the Georgia Bulldogs. The University of Georgia has produced an impressive array of talent, and in 2025, several of its players are expected to be high draft picks. As teams gear up to fill key positions, one franchise that is showing significant interest in Georgia talent is none other than the Atlanta Falcons’ bitter rival—the New Orleans Saints.
While the Falcons are undoubtedly keen on bolstering their roster with the best talent available, their rivals across the NFC South are making waves of their own by bringing in multiple Georgia Bulldogs for draft visits. This could have long-term implications for both the Saints and the Falcons, considering how closely these teams compete in the division. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the role of the Georgia Bulldogs in the NFL Draft, the importance of draft visits, and how New Orleans is strategically positioning itself to take advantage of the talent coming from the University of Georgia.
Georgia Bulldogs and Their Draft Potential
The University of Georgia has emerged as one of the top breeding grounds for NFL-ready talent in recent years. Under the guidance of head coach Kirby Smart, Georgia has not only dominated in college football but has also seen a consistent stream of players make the transition to the NFL.
The 2025 NFL Draft features a number of standout Bulldogs who are expected to go in the early rounds. Among the most prominent names are:
- Jalen Carter (DT): A dominant force on the defensive line, Carter has been widely regarded as one of the top prospects in the entire draft class. His ability to disrupt both the run and the pass has made him a coveted player for defensive-minded teams.
- Brock Bowers (TE): As a versatile tight end, Bowers is expected to be one of the first players at his position selected in the draft. His combination of size, speed, and hands has made him one of the most lethal weapons in college football.
- Kenny McIntosh (RB): A dual-threat running back capable of both rushing and receiving, McIntosh has shown his ability to be a difference-maker in the backfield. Teams in need of a versatile offensive weapon are likely to give him a close look.
- Robert Beal Jr. (OLB): Beal is one of the more athletic and explosive edge rushers in this class. His speed off the edge and ability to rush the passer could make him a priority for teams looking to enhance their pass-rushing attack.
- Broderick Jones (OT): An athletic and powerful offensive tackle, Jones is another Georgia player who is expected to hear his name called early in the draft. His combination of technique and size makes him a top-tier prospect at his position.
These players are expected to be among the top names taken in the 2025 NFL Draft, and as the draft draws closer, NFL teams are increasingly focused on conducting pre-draft visits with top prospects to assess their fit for their roster. With the success Georgia has had in recent years in developing NFL talent, many teams are eager to get a closer look at the Bulldogs’ standouts.
New Orleans Saints’ Strategic Draft Visits
The New Orleans Saints have been making headlines as they have brought in several top Georgia Bulldogs for draft visits in advance of the 2025 draft. This move highlights the Saints’ recognition of the wealth of talent coming from Georgia and their intent to potentially leverage these players to boost their roster.
Defensive Line: Jalen Carter
One of the most notable players being courted by the Saints is Jalen Carter. Known for his imposing presence on the defensive line, Carter’s ability to anchor the defensive front has earned him comparisons to some of the league’s top interior defensive linemen. The Saints, who have long struggled with a lackluster pass rush and run defense, could see Carter as a game-changing addition to their defensive front.
Carter’s ability to collapse the pocket and create havoc in the backfield is exactly what the Saints need to compete in a division that features high-powered offenses. With the Falcons, Panthers, and Buccaneers all possessing dynamic quarterbacks and potent offensive schemes, Carter could be the type of player who would allow the Saints to better compete in the trenches.
His leadership and dominance on the defensive side of the ball make him an enticing prospect for the Saints, who are looking to bolster their defense and get back to playoff contention.
Tight End: Brock Bowers
Brock Bowers is another Georgia Bulldog drawing significant interest from the Saints. As a tight end, Bowers has been a focal point of Georgia’s offense, showcasing an exceptional ability to make plays in both the running and passing game. The Saints, known for their use of tight ends in both traditional and creative ways, might find Bowers to be an ideal fit for their offensive scheme.
Bowers’ ability to line up as a traditional tight end, in the slot, or even out wide gives offensive coordinators a versatile weapon. For the Saints, who have utilized tight ends like Jimmy Graham and Taysom Hill in the past, Bowers could fill a similar role in their offense, providing a reliable target for whoever is under center for New Orleans in the future.
Additionally, Bowers’ ability to stretch the field vertically and create mismatches with defenders has been a hallmark of his game. For a Saints offense that could be looking to make a transition at quarterback, adding a dynamic player like Bowers would be a major step forward in making the offense more explosive.
Edge Rusher: Robert Beal Jr.
The New Orleans Saints also appear to be interested in Robert Beal Jr., a highly athletic and quick edge rusher. Beal’s ability to disrupt quarterbacks and provide consistent pressure off the edge could help solidify the Saints’ defensive line, which has seen some instability in recent years.
With the Falcons boasting a strong offensive line and dynamic quarterbacks, it’s imperative for New Orleans to add a consistent pass rusher. Beal’s speed and pass-rush moves have the potential to make him an immediate impact player at the next level, and the Saints’ interest in him shows their intent to strengthen this area of their defense.
Offensive Tackle: Broderick Jones
Finally, the Saints are reportedly eyeing Broderick Jones as a potential addition to their offensive line. The offensive line has been an area of concern for the Saints in recent years, and Jones could provide immediate help with his combination of size, power, and technique. The Saints could plug him into a starting role at tackle, where his ability to protect the quarterback and open running lanes would be a valuable asset.
Implications for the NFC South Rivalry
The Falcons and Saints are two of the most storied franchises in the NFC South, and their rivalry has long been a defining feature of the division. The Falcons have made significant strides in recent years, particularly with their high-powered offense and improved defense. However, the Saints have long been known for their ability to find and develop talent, especially through the draft.
The Saints’ focus on Georgia Bulldogs may be seen as an attempt to take advantage of the deep well of talent coming out of the Southeastern Conference. By bringing in several top Bulldogs, New Orleans is positioning itself to get even stronger in the coming seasons, potentially adding impact players that could tip the scales in future divisional matchups.
From the Falcons’ perspective, the Saints’ interest in Georgia talent could create a sense of urgency to lock down their own draft strategy. With key matchups looming against their division rival, Atlanta will need to keep pace by targeting players who can provide immediate impact, especially in areas such as the defensive line, secondary, and offensive skill positions.
As both teams look to build their rosters for the future, the 2025 NFL Draft will undoubtedly play a key role in shaping the trajectory of the NFC South. The Falcons will need to make strategic decisions, and the Saints’ interest in Georgia Bulldogs may very well force them to reevaluate their approach to the draft.
