The 2025 NFL Draft wasn’t just a triumph for the Georgia Bulldogs—it was a statement. A declaration that the dynasty built in Athens is not only alive but thriving. As Commissioner Roger Goodell read off name after name, it became increasingly clear that Kirby Smart had orchestrated another masterpiece, this time not on the field but in the war rooms of NFL franchises coast to coast. Georgia walked away with a record-setting 13 players drafted, five in the first round alone, turning heads and silencing doubters.
From Day 1, the spotlight fell on linebacker Malachi Trent, who went No. 3 overall to the New England Patriots. A 6-foot-4, 245-pound sideline-to-sideline nightmare, Trent was the defensive heart of the Bulldogs’ 2024 campaign. His physicality, leadership, and uncanny football IQ made him a can’t-miss prospect. “He’s Roquan Smith 2.0 with more length and better instincts,” one scout said, confirming what Georgia fans already knew: Trent was built different.
But the parade didn’t stop there. Wide receiver Zaydon Hill was taken at No. 11 by the Chicago Bears, praised for his elite route-running and explosive playmaking. Offensive tackle Marcus “Tank” Holloway, a human mountain at 6-foot-7, 335 pounds, landed with the Steelers, anchoring a first-round trifecta that showcased Georgia’s balance on both sides of the ball.
By the end of the draft, Georgia had players selected at nearly every position—cornerbacks, safeties, linemen, even a punter in the sixth round. The sheer versatility and NFL readiness of these athletes underscored Kirby Smart’s brilliance. Not only does he recruit top-tier talent, he develops it into professional gold.
For Smart, the draft success serves a dual purpose. It validates his program to future recruits—high school stars now see Athens not just as a place to win national titles but as a legitimate NFL launching pad. More than that, it cements his identity as the nation’s premier developer of talent. In a league where perception shapes reality, Georgia now wears the crown of “NFL U.”
But perhaps the most vivid takeaway is the culture Kirby Smart has instilled. “We don’t just build players,” Smart said after the draft. “We build pros—on and off the field.” The locker room accountability, the relentless practices, the emphasis on football IQ—they all translate to success at the next level. And NFL teams have taken notice.
With another historic draft haul, Georgia doesn’t just celebrate past achievements—it fuels future dominance. The ripple effects will be felt for years. Recruits will come. Wins will stack. And Kirby Smart? He’ll keep building his empire, one draft class at a time.
