Kirby Smart's remarkable decade at the helm of the University of Georgia Bulldogs has established a formidable pipeline for professional football. His tenure has seen an astonishing 20 players selected in the first round of the NFL Draft, a number nearly matching his total career losses. This consistent output of top-tier talent, including multiple first-round picks in each of the last three drafts and at least one in the past eight, underscores Georgia's dominance in player development. Beyond individual achievements, the Bulldogs have also celebrated two national championships and three SEC championships during this period, solidifying their status as a powerhouse in collegiate football.
Georgia Bulldogs' NFL First-Round Selections Under Kirby Smart
Under the visionary leadership of Kirby Smart, the University of Georgia's football program has become an unparalleled factory for NFL talent, producing a remarkable 20 first-round draft picks over the past decade. These athletes, representing various positions across the field, have not only achieved personal success but have also contributed significantly to their professional teams, many signing lucrative contracts and even securing Super Bowl rings.
The journey began in 2018 with linebacker Roquan Smith, an eighth overall pick by the Chicago Bears. Despite being traded to the Baltimore Ravens, Smith has maintained his elite status, accumulating 851 tackles in his first six seasons. That same year, offensive tackle Isaiah Wynn (23rd pick, New England Patriots) and running back Sony Michel (31st pick, New England Patriots) also made their mark. Wynn, though battling injuries, contributed for four seasons, while Michel, a two-time Super Bowl champion, had a standout 2018 postseason with six rushing touchdowns before an early retirement.
The 2019 draft saw cornerback Deandre Baker selected 30th overall by the New York Giants. While a strong rookie year was followed by off-field issues and injuries, Baker continues his career in the UFL. The 2020 draft was particularly fruitful for offensive tackles, with Andrew Thomas going fourth overall to the New York Giants and Isaiah Wilson at 29th to the Tennessee Titans. Thomas flourished into a top-tier tackle, earning a massive contract extension, while Wilson's career was unfortunately derailed by off-field problems.
In 2021, cornerback Eric Stokes was picked 29th by the Green Bay Packers. Despite injury setbacks, Stokes has been an effective player, securing a significant contract with the Las Vegas Raiders. The 2022 draft was a landmark year, with four Bulldogs going in the first round. Defensive end Travon Walker was the first overall pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars, signing a $110 million extension after strong performances. Defensive tackle Jordan Davis (13th pick, Philadelphia Eagles) proved to be a dominant force, aiding the Eagles to a Super Bowl victory and signing a record-setting $78 million contract. Linebacker Quay Walker (22nd pick, Green Bay Packers) anchored the Packers' defense for four years before signing a $40 million deal with the Las Vegas Raiders. Safety Lewis Cine (32nd pick, Minnesota Vikings) faced a challenging start due to a leg injury but continues to seek his footing in the league.
The 2023 draft continued the trend with three first-round selections. Defensive tackle Jalen Carter (9th pick, Philadelphia Eagles) nearly won NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and is poised for a major contract. Offensive tackle Broderick Jones (14th pick, Pittsburgh Steelers) started 11 games as a rookie, while outside linebacker Nolan Smith (30th pick, Philadelphia Eagles) contributed to a Super Bowl-winning postseason, recording four sacks.
Most recently, the 2024 and 2025 drafts added three more talents to this prestigious list. Tight end Brock Bowers (13th pick, Las Vegas Raiders) set multiple NFL and team records in his rookie year, quickly becoming one of the league's best at his position. Offensive tackle Amarius Mims (18th pick, Cincinnati Bengals) has become a key starter, and defensive end Mykel Williams (11th pick, San Francisco 49ers) and linebacker Jalon Walker (15th pick, Atlanta Falcons) showed immense promise in their rookie seasons, with Walker impressing with 5.5 sacks. Safety Malaki Starks (27th pick, Baltimore Ravens) also demonstrated breakout potential in 2025.
Kirby Smart's enduring success in cultivating professional-grade talent underscores a profound impact on the landscape of college and professional football. His ability to consistently recruit, develop, and prepare athletes for the rigors of the NFL is a testament to the strength and foresight of the Georgia program. The consistent flow of first-round picks reflects not just individual talent but also a robust system that prioritizes player growth and adaptation, ensuring that the legacy of Georgia football continues to thrive at the highest levels of the sport. It's a clear indicator that when it comes to talent acquisition and development in college football, Smart's program sets a gold standard.