Eagles GM Howie Roseman: Georgia Bulldogs Players Get a ‘Head Start’ on the NFL

In the world of professional football, the NFL Draft is the cornerstone of every team’s success. For general managers, coaches, and scouts, finding the right players to build a successful roster is crucial. Howie Roseman, the Philadelphia Eagles’ general manager, has become one of the most well-regarded figures in the NFL for his ability to make shrewd decisions in roster construction and draft selection. He has built a team that consistently competes at a high level, culminating in the Eagles’ Super Bowl victory in 2018.

One particular aspect of Roseman’s approach to team-building is his focus on the Georgia Bulldogs football program. In recent years, Georgia has become a veritable football factory, churning out NFL-ready players who immediately contribute at the next level. Roseman has been an ardent admirer of Georgia’s program, and in particular, the players coming out of the Bulldogs’ defense. His comments about Georgia players and how they get a “head start” on the NFL offer valuable insight into his philosophy on talent evaluation and roster construction.

The Rise of the Georgia Bulldogs as NFL Talent Producers

In recent seasons, Georgia has emerged as one of the most successful college football programs in the country. Under the leadership of head coach Kirby Smart, the Bulldogs have developed a winning culture that has resulted in consistent playoff appearances and national championships. The 2021 season, which culminated in Georgia’s first national championship in over four decades, helped cement the Bulldogs’ reputation as one of the top programs for producing NFL-caliber talent.

What makes Georgia stand out is not just the quantity of players entering the NFL, but also the quality. Over the past few seasons, Georgia’s defense, in particular, has been a powerhouse. The program has produced an extraordinary number of first-round draft picks, and the NFL has taken notice. Players like linebacker Nakobe Dean, defensive tackle Jordan Davis, edge rusher Travon Walker, and cornerback Kelee Ringo all turned heads during their time at Georgia. Their blend of athleticism, intelligence, and football IQ makes them immediate contributors at the professional level.

Howie Roseman and the Eagles have seen the benefit of this talent pipeline firsthand. In fact, the Eagles have been one of the most aggressive teams in targeting Georgia players in recent drafts. In 2022, the Eagles selected defensive tackle Jordan Davis with the 13th overall pick and linebacker Nakobe Dean in the third round. Both players were integral parts of Georgia’s national championship defense, and their selection by the Eagles speaks to how highly Roseman views players from the Bulldogs program.

But what is it about Georgia’s football program that gives its players an advantage when transitioning to the NFL? Howie Roseman has weighed in on this in several interviews, offering insight into why he believes Georgia players get a “head start” on the competition.

The “Head Start” Advantage: What Roseman Means

When Howie Roseman talks about Georgia players getting a “head start” on the NFL, he’s referring to the high level of preparation and competition that players face while at Georgia. The program’s rigorous coaching, elite strength and conditioning, and high-caliber competition prepare players for the demands of the NFL. These factors give them a leg up when transitioning from college to professional football.

1. Elite Coaching: One of the primary reasons Georgia players are so well-prepared for the NFL is the coaching they receive at the college level. Kirby Smart, a former Alabama assistant coach, has built a staff of excellent coaches who emphasize both technical skills and mental toughness. Georgia’s defensive schemes are highly complex, which helps develop players’ ability to process information quickly and react on the fly. This coaching prepares players to handle the complexity of NFL offenses and defenses, where mental acuity is just as important as physical prowess.

   For example, Jordan Davis, a towering defensive tackle, excelled in Georgia’s system because of his ability to read plays and his refined technique, despite his raw physical attributes. Players like him come into the NFL already seasoned in understanding complex schemes, making their learning curve less steep than that of other rookies.

2. Competition at Practice: The competition within Georgia’s football program is another key factor in the success of its players. The Bulldogs recruit at an elite level, bringing in top-tier talent at nearly every position. This means that players like Jordan Davis and Nakobe Dean aren’t just facing the best competition on Saturdays; they’re battling some of the most talented athletes in the country on a daily basis in practice. This intense internal competition fosters growth and forces players to improve constantly, sharpening their skills and enhancing their football IQ.

   In the case of Nakobe Dean, who was a leader on the Georgia defense, his ability to read plays, communicate on the field, and adjust to different schemes was honed in a program where practice was a battle between the best of the best. These are qualities that translate directly to the NFL, where a player’s ability to adjust on the fly and compete at a high level can make or break a career.

3. NFL-Like Strength and Conditioning: Another element that gives Georgia players a “head start” on their NFL careers is the strength and conditioning program. The Bulldogs have one of the most advanced and effective training regimens in college football. Georgia’s players are prepared physically for the grind of an NFL season long before they enter the league. This readiness gives them a significant advantage over other rookies who might need to adjust to the higher intensity of NFL-level training and conditioning.

   Players like Travon Walker, who was selected first overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2022, showcase the results of this rigorous preparation. Walker, a former defensive end at Georgia, possesses elite athleticism and strength, but what sets him apart is his conditioning and ability to sustain high-level performance over an entire game. This level of preparation allows Georgia players to transition seamlessly to the NFL.

4. Mentorship and Leadership: The Georgia program also places a heavy emphasis on leadership and mentorship. Veteran players are often tasked with mentoring younger players, helping them navigate the pressures of college football. This culture of mentorship helps develop players who are mentally and emotionally ready for the challenges of professional football. Leadership qualities, communication skills, and mental resilience are traits that Howie Roseman values in NFL prospects, and Georgia players are often well-equipped in these areas.

Nakobe Dean, for instance, served as a captain on Georgia’s defense. His leadership on and off the field is something that the Eagles clearly valued when they selected him in the third round of the 2022 draft. Players who demonstrate the ability to lead a unit like Dean did for Georgia are often more adaptable and successful in the NFL, where leadership and accountability are key components of team success.

Howie Roseman’s Approach to Drafting Georgia Players

The Eagles’ approach to drafting players from Georgia speaks volumes about Howie Roseman’s confidence in the Bulldogs’ ability to develop NFL-ready talent. In addition to the selections of Jordan Davis and Nakobe Dean, the Eagles have also pursued other Georgia players in recent drafts, further indicating their belief in the program’s ability to produce top-tier talent. The decision to draft a player like Davis, who possesses immense potential but had some concerns regarding his pass-rush ability, highlights Roseman’s understanding of the development process. Roseman knows that with the right coaching and system, Georgia players are often ready to step in and contribute right away.

In fact, Davis was often seen as a player who would need time to develop his pass-rushing skills but would immediately help in the run game and as a disruptive force in the trenches. Roseman clearly saw the value in his elite athleticism and believed that the transition to the NFL would be smoother for him due to the coaching and competition he had at Georgia.

Furthermore, the Eagles’ success in drafting Georgia players isn’t purely about physical talent. Roseman and the Eagles value players who have the intelligence to thrive in complex systems, and Georgia’s players excel in this regard. From their football IQ to their ability to adapt to different schemes, Georgia players tend to arrive in the NFL prepared to absorb and execute complex playbooks.

The Impact of Georgia Players on the Eagles’ Roster

The addition of Georgia players has had a tangible impact on the Eagles’ roster. Jordan Davis, despite playing only a limited number of snaps in his rookie season, has proven to be a disruptive force when on the field. His presence in the middle of the defensive line adds a new dimension to the Eagles’ defense, one that focuses on both stopping the run and creating pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

Nakobe Dean, a highly touted linebacker from Georgia, entered the NFL with a reputation for his leadership and high football IQ. Though his rookie season was somewhat quiet in terms of playing time, there’s no doubt that his presence in the locker room and his potential on the field could make a significant impact moving forward. The Eagles have been able to develop both of these players in a system that prioritizes both mental and physical growth.

Additionally, the Eagles have benefited from the leadership and mentorship that Georgia players bring to the table. Players like Dean, who served as a captain, and Davis, who was a vocal presence on Georgia’s defense, have added a level of maturity and leadership to the Eagles’ roster that helps elevate the overall culture of the team.

Howie Roseman’s belief that Georgia Bulldogs players get a “head start” on the NFL is not just a reflection of their physical abilities, but also a recognition of the comprehensive development they undergo while at Georgia. From elite coaching to intense competition and high-level conditioning, Georgia players are prepared for the rigors of the NFL in a way that many others aren’t. As a result, Roseman has made it a priority to target players from the Bulldogs program, knowing that their preparation and experience will allow them to contribute early and often at the professional level.

The Eagles’ success in drafting Georgia players has already started to pay dividends, and it’s likely that the team will continue to target Bulldogs players in future drafts. As the NFL evolves and the competition becomes more intense, teams like the Eagles, led by visionary general managers like Roseman, will continue to leverage the advantages that Georgia players bring to the table. For Howie Roseman, the key to building a winning team lies not just in identifying talent, but in recognizing the importance of preparation and the value of a “head start” on the road to NFL success.