Georgia's Defensive Legacy: Why the Falcons Might Draft UGA Players After Super Bowl Success

When Atlanta Falcons coach Raheem Morris watched Super Bowl LIX, he saw a masterclass in defensive play by the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles’ dominant pass rush, which sacked Patrick Mahomes six times, was key to their 40-22 win over the Kansas City Chiefs. This performance has turned heads in Atlanta, with the Falcons now eyeing a similar strategy for their own defense.

The Georgia Connection

At the heart of the Eagles' defense were several former University of Georgia (UGA) players. Linebacker Nolan Smith led with 6.5 sacks, while defensive tackle Jalen Carter added 4.5. Linebacker Nakobe Dean was a tackling machine with 128 total tackles, and defensive tackle Jordan Davis contributed a sack in the Super Bowl. These Bulldogs played a pivotal role in Philadelphia’s success.

The Falcons have a history of avoiding early draft picks from UGA, despite their proximity to the Athens-based university in Georgia. In 2024, the team only had two UGA regulars—outside linebacker Lorenzo Carter and tight end Charlie Woerner—neither of whom was drafted by Atlanta. However, with the 2025 NFL Draft approaching, the Falcons might finally change this trend.

Draft Prospects

ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. projects three Georgia players as first-round picks: inside linebacker Jalon Walker, safety Malaki Starks, and outside linebacker Mykel Williams. These players could address the Falcons’ most pressing needs, particularly their pass rush. Last season, Atlanta ranked second to last in sacks (31) and quarterback pressure percentage (28.1%). Walker and Williams, with their combined 11.5 sacks in 2024, could provide immediate help.

Defensive Improvement The Falcons’ defense showed signs of improvement after their Week 12 bye, following Morris’s increased involvement. The team also made coaching changes, hiring Jeff Ulbrich as defensive coordinator. Returning players like edge rusher Arnold Ebiketie and 2024 third-round pick Bralen Trice, who missed the season due to injury, could bolster the defense. However, the potential loss of free agent Matthew Judon, who had 5.5 sacks last season, creates a gap that needs filling.

The 2025 draft class is packed with defensive talent, and the Falcons are focusing on these players during their combine interviews. Kiper predicts they could select Marshall outside linebacker Mike Green, who led the nation in sacks, with their first-round pick. Green’s impressive Senior Bowl performance, along with standout combines from Tennessee’s James Pearce Jr. and Texas A&M’s Shemar Stewart, makes this a promising draft for defensive additions.

A New Era for the Falcons?

With the draft just around the corner, the Falcons are in a strong position to address their defensive weaknesses. Whether they finally draft a Georgia Bulldog in the first round remains to be seen, but their focus on defense indicates a clear strategy to replicate the Eagles’ Super Bowl success.