The University of Georgia has become a perennial powerhouse in college football, with its athletes often playing key roles in shaping the landscape of the sport. Over the past few years, Georgia’s program has churned out some of the most talented football players in the nation, many of whom are now ready to make a significant impact in the NFL. The Georgia Bulldogs’ success in producing top-tier talent is evident, with multiple players earning All-American honors and showcasing their skills on the national stage. As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, there are several players from Georgia’s recent squads who are poised to make an immediate impact in the NFL. This article will highlight some of these athletes, discussing their strengths and what they bring to the next level.
1. Jalen Carter – Defensive Tackle
Jalen Carter was one of the most dominant defensive forces in college football during his time at Georgia. A key member of the Bulldogs’ defensive line, Carter’s blend of size, speed, and technique made him an absolute nightmare for offensive linemen in both run defense and pass-rushing situations. Standing at 6’3” and weighing 310 pounds, Carter possesses elite strength and athleticism, making him a versatile player who can be disruptive in the trenches.
What makes Carter so special is his ability to play both as a traditional defensive tackle and as a disruptive pass rusher from the interior. His quick first step and exceptional hand placement make him a constant threat to quarterbacks, while his strength allows him to shed blockers with ease. Carter is often compared to former Georgia star and current NFL standout, Jordan Davis, but with a slightly more polished pass-rush game.
At the next level, Carter is expected to make an immediate impact. His combination of power, agility, and football IQ gives him the ability to dominate from day one. Whether lining up as a 3-technique defensive tackle in a 4-3 scheme or as a defensive end in a 3-4, Carter’s ability to disrupt the backfield will be a game-changer for whichever team drafts him.
2. Broderick Jones – Offensive Tackle
Broderick Jones is one of the top offensive tackle prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. At 6’4” and 315 pounds, Jones possesses a rare combination of size, power, and athleticism. During his time at Georgia, he became a key figure on one of the nation’s most dominant offensive lines, helping to pave the way for a potent running game while also providing stellar protection for quarterbacks.
Jones is a fluid mover for a man of his size, with excellent lateral movement and the ability to mirror edge rushers in pass protection. His footwork is exceptional, and he does a great job of staying balanced and maintaining proper technique, even in the heat of the battle. This makes him an ideal candidate for both run-blocking and pass-protection situations in the NFL.
What sets Jones apart from other offensive tackles in the draft is his ability to dominate in both the running and passing game. He has the strength to move defenders off the ball in the run game and the agility to keep quarterbacks clean in pass protection. Given his skill set, Jones is a plug-and-play starter at the next level and should make an immediate impact for any NFL team looking for a franchise left tackle.
3. Kelee Ringo – Cornerback
Kelee Ringo has been one of the most talked-about cornerbacks in college football throughout his career at Georgia. Standing at 6’2” and weighing 210 pounds, Ringo has ideal size for an NFL corner, and his combination of length and speed allows him to cover a wide range of receivers. His ability to press at the line of scrimmage and disrupt routes makes him a versatile asset in any defensive scheme.
Ringo’s ball skills are among the best in the country. He has a natural ability to track the ball in the air and make plays on it, evidenced by his interception of a crucial pass during Georgia’s national championship game victory. His combination of speed and physicality allows him to hang with wide receivers on deep routes and handle the top-tier competition at the next level.
One area where Ringo excels is in man-to-man coverage, which is highly valued in the NFL. His physicality at the line and ability to match receivers step for step will make him an immediate contributor on defense. Whether he’s lining up against top-tier wideouts or playing in zone coverage, Ringo’s ball skills and athleticism will make him a potential starter and a key player in a team’s secondary.
4. Ladd McConkey – Wide Receiver
Ladd McConkey may not have the prototypical size of an NFL wide receiver, but what he lacks in height and weight, he more than makes up for with elite speed, agility, and playmaking ability. At 6’0” and 185 pounds, McConkey’s route running and ability to separate from defenders are what set him apart. Throughout his time at Georgia, McConkey consistently displayed a knack for making crucial plays in big moments, and his ability to be a dynamic threat in both the slot and on the outside gives him versatility at the next level.
McConkey’s football IQ is off the charts. His ability to read defenses and adjust his route accordingly makes him a reliable target for quarterbacks. Moreover, his hands are reliable, and he has the ability to make spectacular catches in tight windows. His quickness allows him to get in and out of his breaks with ease, creating separation from defenders with minimal effort.
With teams increasingly seeking more versatile and dynamic receivers, McConkey’s skill set makes him a prime candidate for an immediate role in the NFL. Whether as a deep threat, a slot receiver, or a return specialist, McConkey has the ability to make an instant impact as a playmaker for whichever team selects him.
5. Tyler Simmons – Linebacker
Tyler Simmons is another Georgia player who has the potential to make an immediate impact in the NFL, specifically on the defensive side of the ball. Standing at 6’2” and 240 pounds, Simmons has the size and athleticism to be a versatile linebacker who can play in both the run game and the passing game. His physicality and instincts make him a strong presence in the box, while his ability to cover ground and drop into coverage gives him a well-rounded skill set that is highly coveted at the professional level.
What sets Simmons apart is his ability to read and react to the flow of the game. Whether defending the run or covering tight ends and running backs in pass coverage, Simmons excels at recognizing offensive schemes and adjusting accordingly. His football IQ is one of his strongest attributes, allowing him to make plays in critical moments.
At the next level, Simmons is expected to be a plug-and-play linebacker who can contribute immediately in a variety of situations. His versatility, leadership, and football intelligence make him a prime candidate for starting roles, and his ability to cover multiple areas of the field will make him a valuable asset for NFL teams looking to build their defensive schemes around him.
6. Darnell Washington – Tight End
Darnell Washington is an athletic marvel at the tight end position. Standing at 6’7” and weighing 270 pounds, Washington is a physical freak who has the size and strength to overpower defenders while also possessing the agility to make plays in the open field. His physical gifts make him a dangerous red-zone target and a mismatch against smaller defenders.
Washington’s skill set extends beyond just his size. His ability to block effectively in the run game, combined with his soft hands and ability to make plays after the catch, make him a highly coveted player. He has the potential to be a “move” tight end, lining up in various spots on the field to create mismatches against defenders. His athleticism allows him to excel in both the running and passing games, and his ability to stretch the field vertically makes him a dangerous weapon in the NFL.
With the NFL’s increasing reliance on tight ends who can function as both blockers and pass-catchers, Washington has the potential to be an immediate impact player for any team looking for a dynamic and versatile tight end. His combination of size, strength, and athleticism makes him one of the top tight end prospects in recent years.
The University of Georgia continues to produce elite talent that is ready to make an impact in the NFL. From defensive standouts like Jalen Carter and Kelee Ringo to offensive stars like Broderick Jones and Ladd McConkey, the Bulldogs have a pipeline of future NFL stars. These players, along with others like Tyler Simmons and Darnell Washington, possess the skills, athleticism, and football IQ to make an immediate impact in the league.
As NFL teams look to build for the future, Georgia players are among the most promising prospects available. With their ability to contribute right away, it is clear that the Bulldogs will continue to be a major source of NFL talent for years to come.
