Everyone had the same reaction as the Philadelphia Eagles draft another Georgia player
It seems that the Philadelphia Eagles are intent on trying to recreate that magical unit, as they have drafted another member of that defense.
Georgia linebacker Smael Mondon was taken with the No. 161 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Mondon had to wait until the fifth round but he heads to Philadelphia to play with several former teammates.
As it currently stands, Philadelphia’s 2025 defense will have eight former Georgia players: Jordan Davis, Jalen Carter, Azeez Ojulari, Nolan Smith, Nakobe Dean, Kelee Ringo, Lewis Cine and Mondon.
Only Ojulari did not play for the 2021 team that won a national championship. Carter, Smith, Ringo and Mondon were all starters on Georgia’s 2022 National Championship team.
Mondon becomes the sixth Georgia player drafted by Philadelphia in the previous four years.
The eight Georgia players with one team would be the most in the NFL. While speaking at the 2025 NFL Combine executive vice president and general manager Howie Roseman shared why he has such an affinity for Georgia players.
“You know incredibly detailed program,” Roseman said. “Obviously they have a history of winning. You know when you look at it when you add new players and you add this many new players from one place, they also know how to play off each other. They have a chemistry that normally you have to cultivate through your team and through years of practice and so you get a head start and and then you’re talking about.
“Really putting in to place one of the greatest defenses in the history of college football, and you know they play with an edge, they play with the mentality and you know Kirby does a phenomenal job.”
Roseman’s strategy clearly seems to be working, as the Eagles just won the Super Bowl in dominating fashion over the Kansas City Chiefs.
For Mondon, the selection is the realization of a lifelong dream. Georgia fans and supporters were equally excited to see Mondon find a new home that will have a strong Georgia flavor.
Mondon is the 10th Georgia player to be taken in the 2025 NFL Draft. All 10 selections have gone to separate teams, further developing Georgia’s NFL pipeline. Since Kirby Smart became the head coach at Georgia, the Bulldogs have had 73 players drafted in the NFL.
