Kirby Smart explains Georgia's relationship with NFL teams, how it impacts draft success

On3 imageby:Steve Samra05/13/23

SamraSource

Under Kirby Smart, the Georgia Bulldogs have become a breeding ground for NFL talent.

Just look at the last two iterations of the NFL Draft. Etched in history are a myriad of Bulldogs, a ridiculous amount of them picked within the first three rounds, and many starting the next chapter of their football careers as first round picks.

One of the many teams that obviously holds Georgia in high regard are the Philadelphia Eagles. Just look at their last two draft classes, as former Bulldogs defensive stars Jordan Davis, Nakobe Dean, Jalen Carter, Nolan Smith and Kelee Ringo will continue to call each other teammates in the NFL.

While Smart recognizes Georgia has a great working relationship with the Eagles, he doesn’t believe the buck stops there. Speaking with the media earlier in the week, the Bulldogs leader explained why he thinks the NFL continues to pluck their players of the future from Athens.

“We’ve got a great relationship with them, but we’ve got a great relationship with other NFL teams too,” explained Smart, via AL.com. “They come down to visit, just like everybody does. We’re open, more than any other college football team in the country, to the NFL and their staff. They like to come look at our players and evaluate them, and we’re honest with them.”

While almost the entire league is trying to get their hands on Georgia players, the Eagles are the team that seems to be collecting them like Infinity Stones. Smart’s theory is that it makes sense due to Philadelphia’s draft strategy, as unlike many teams they don’t draft for need. The Eagles stack strength-on-strength — or Bulldog on Bulldog.

“I just think it worked out that that was kind of a hitch. They believe in strength-on-strength. They draft strength-on-strength,” explained Smart. “They don’t necessarily just draft what they need, they draft the best player. I think both of those case, Jalen and Nolan — and Kelee — they were the best available players out there.”

It’s worked out for the Eagles thus far, as they made the Super Bowl last season and have shown no signs of slowing down. Georgia players did a ton of winning under Smart’s guidance in college, and it looks like they’ll get used to it at the next level, as well.

It’s a copy-cat league though. The NFL won’t continue to allow the Eagles to hog all the former Georgia stars, especially if they continue to show out in the ways they have. We’re willing to bet they will.