Who Might Replace the 14 Ex-Bulldogs at the NFL Combine?

The NFL Scouting Combine is an annual event that attracts some of the best college football talent in the country. It serves as the final proving ground for prospective NFL players, offering scouts, coaches, and general managers a chance to evaluate athleticism, skills, and mental fortitude ahead of the NFL Draft. For fans of college football and the NFL alike, the Combine is a critical step in determining which players will be the next stars of the league.

This year, one school that will be closely watched is the University of Georgia, which has long been known for producing top-tier NFL talent. The Georgia Bulldogs have been a dominant force in college football, winning the College Football Playoff National Championship in 2022 and finishing near the top of the rankings in 2023. This level of success naturally translates into producing players with the skills necessary to perform at the next level.

While Georgia’s current roster is filled with players who will likely dominate at the Combine and make their mark in the NFL, the Bulldogs have a history of producing a steady stream of talented prospects. However, with 14 former Bulldogs heading to the NFL Combine this year, it’s worth discussing the legacy of these players, the individuals who may follow in their footsteps, and the potential stars that could represent Georgia football in the years to come.

A Legacy of Bulldogs at the NFL Combine

Georgia has produced a staggering number of NFL prospects over the years, especially in recent seasons. In the past few years alone, Bulldogs like Jalen Carter, Stetson Bennett, Brock Bowers, and others have made significant impacts in college football. As the 2023 NFL Draft approaches, the spotlight is again on Georgia’s 14 players making their way to Indianapolis to showcase their skills at the NFL Scouting Combine.

The ex-Bulldogs in attendance are an impressive group, many of whom are expected to be first-round picks. Players like defensive tackle Jalen Carter, who’s been a dominant force on the defensive line, and tight end Brock Bowers, who has solidified himself as one of the top players in college football, are names everyone will recognize. These players are expected to leave a lasting legacy at Georgia and are likely to make an impact in the NFL.

However, even with the significant number of Georgia alumni attending the NFL Combine, it’s crucial to remember that every season brings new opportunities for young talent to rise. For Georgia’s future, the question is not just who will replace these 14 players in the immediate future but who will step up to carry on the program’s legacy of producing NFL-caliber players.

Rising Stars to Watch at Georgia

Georgia is known for having a stacked roster year after year, and while they lose several stars to the NFL, there are always other players who are more than capable of stepping into larger roles. The key to maintaining Georgia’s success in the NFL Draft and Combine year after year lies in recruiting, player development, and the ability to bring in talent who can rise to the occasion when their number is called.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the most promising rising stars at Georgia who might replace the 14 ex-Bulldogs at the NFL Combine in the near future.

1. Marvin Jones Jr. (OLB)

Marvin Jones Jr. has been a dominant force for Georgia’s defense and is expected to be a key contributor in the years to come. A highly touted linebacker recruit, Jones has the size, speed, and physicality to play in the NFL. He’s been a key player on Georgia’s defensive line, contributing both in pass rush and against the run. As a versatile outside linebacker, Jones’ ability to move sideline-to-sideline and disrupt the pocket makes him one of the players to watch in the future.

His speed and explosiveness off the edge, combined with his agility, make him a potential top-tier NFL prospect. If he can continue to develop his pass-rushing techniques and increase his production in big games, Jones could be in Indianapolis for the NFL Combine in a few years, replacing some of the previous Bulldogs in the NFL.

2. Mikhail Sherman (OLB)

Mikhail Sherman is another linebacker on Georgia’s roster who has the potential to rise into an elite-level NFL prospect. A former highly ranked recruit, Sherman has the physical tools to play at the next level. His ability to move across the field, cover tight ends, and rush the passer makes him a versatile player that NFL scouts will covet. Sherman’s consistency on defense, combined with his work ethic and leadership, should keep him in the spotlight as Georgia continues to produce high-caliber NFL talent.

If Sherman can break out in the coming seasons, he may be a player who earns an invitation to the NFL Scouting Combine, carrying on Georgia’s tradition of producing top-notch linebackers.

3. Brock Bowers (TE)

Brock Bowers is already a household name for college football fans. The tight end from Georgia has been one of the most consistent and dynamic players at his position in recent years. His combination of speed, route-running, and blocking makes him one of the most complete tight ends in college football. Bowers has been a crucial part of Georgia’s offense and has made a massive impact in key games, including national championships.

As a dynamic receiving option and an elite blocker, Bowers is expected to be a top-tier NFL prospect. With his athleticism and skill set, he could easily find himself in Indianapolis as part of the next wave of Georgia players entering the NFL Combine. Many scouts are already predicting Bowers to be one of the top tight ends selected in the NFL Draft when his time comes.

4. Adonai Mitchell (WR)

Adonai Mitchell is one of Georgia’s standout wide receivers, and he’s shown incredible promise in his time with the Bulldogs. With a combination of size, speed, and hands, Mitchell has all the tools to succeed at the next level. As a key part of Georgia’s receiving corps, Mitchell has the potential to be one of the top receivers in the country if he continues to develop his route-running and consistency.

Wide receivers out of Georgia have traditionally gone on to do well in the NFL, and Mitchell has the ability to follow in those footsteps. If he can establish himself as a go-to target for Georgia in the coming seasons, he may very well find himself at the NFL Combine, showcasing his talents to scouts from all 32 teams.

5. Jalen Walker (OLB)

Another promising linebacker on Georgia’s roster is Jalen Walker. Walker has the tools to become one of the Bulldogs’ top defenders. He has the speed and strength necessary to cover both the run and pass effectively. His ability to track the football and his high football IQ have made him a standout player in practices and games alike. If Walker can continue to develop his pass-rushing abilities and increase his production on defense, he could join the ranks of Georgia’s linebackers in the NFL.

Walker’s upside is significant, and if he continues to progress, he could make a name for himself at the NFL Combine, providing a new face for Georgia’s linebacker legacy.

6. Sedrick Van Pran (C)

Sedrick Van Pran is one of the top offensive linemen in college football and could be an NFL prospect in the near future. As the center for Georgia’s offensive line, Van Pran has displayed leadership, skill, and toughness. He’s shown the ability to dominate defenders and create space in both the running and passing game.

As one of the best centers in the country, Van Pran’s ability to move defenders off the ball and protect his quarterback is a skill that will be highly sought after at the next level. If he continues to develop and showcase his skill set, Van Pran may find himself participating in the NFL Combine and becoming the latest in a long line of Georgia offensive linemen to make an impact in the NFL.

The Future of Georgia Football

As we’ve seen over the years, Georgia is a program that produces elite talent on both sides of the ball. The Bulldogs have built a reputation for recruiting the best athletes in the country and developing them into NFL-ready players. The 14 ex-Bulldogs who will attend the NFL Combine this year are the latest in a long line of Georgia standouts, but the program shows no signs of slowing down.

As these rising stars like Marvin Jones Jr., Brock Bowers, and Sedrick Van Pran take on larger roles in Georgia’s future, it’s clear that the Bulldogs are primed to continue their legacy of success both in college football and in the NFL. With the school’s commitment to recruiting top-tier athletes and developing them into NFL-caliber players, Georgia is sure to see even more of its players earning invitations to the NFL Combine in the years to come.

The departure of 14 former Bulldogs to the NFL Combine signifies a monumental shift for Georgia, as it reflects the program’s continued success and dominance in college football. However, as the next generation of Georgia players takes center stage, there is no shortage of rising stars ready to replace them and carry on the tradition of excellence. Players like Marvin Jones Jr., Brock Bowers, Adonai Mitchell, Jalen Walker, and Sedrick Van Pran are primed to follow in the footsteps of those who came before them.

Georgia’s pipeline to the NFL remains strong, and as new talent continues to develop, it will be exciting to see who rises to the occasion and gets a chance to compete on the biggest stage in Indianapolis at the NFL Scouting Combine. The future of Georgia football is bright, and it won’t be long before we see more Bulldogs taking the next step in their football careers, leaving their mark on the NFL for years to come.