There are many ways to measure success in college football: national championships, conference dominance, recruiting prowess, and player development. For Georgia head coach Kirby Smart, one of the best compliments he could receive is the recognition that his program has become the premier destination for NFL preparation. With an unmatched ability to develop players for the next level, Georgia has transformed into an NFL factory under Smart’s leadership.
NFL Pipeline: The Numbers Don’t Lie
Since Kirby Smart took over in 2016, Georgia has steadily built one of the strongest pipelines to the NFL. The Bulldogs have consistently produced top-tier talent, with an increasing number of players drafted each year.
- 2022 NFL Draft: Georgia set an all-time record with 15 players selected, the most in a single draft in modern history. This haul included five first-round picks, highlighted by No. 1 overall selection Travon Walker (Jacksonville Jaguars).
- 2023 NFL Draft: The Bulldogs followed up with another dominant draft, featuring 10 more players selected, including first-rounders Jalen Carter and Broderick Jones.
- 2024 NFL Draft (Projected): Georgia is once again expected to produce multiple first-rounders, further solidifying its status as the best in the country at developing NFL-ready players.
Under Smart, Georgia has become a program where elite high school recruits know they will be developed into professional athletes.
Why Georgia Produces So Many NFL Players
1. Elite Recruiting and Talent Evaluation
Georgia consistently brings in top-tier talent, ranking near the top of recruiting rankings every year. However, the real key isn’t just signing five-star players—it’s developing them into future pros. The Bulldogs’ ability to take highly-rated recruits and turn them into polished NFL prospects is what sets them apart.
2. NFL-Style Coaching Staff
Smart has surrounded himself with coaches who understand what it takes to succeed at the professional level. Many of Georgia’s assistants have NFL coaching experience, including:
- Todd Monken (Former Offensive Coordinator, 2020-2022) – Now the Baltimore Ravens’ OC, Monken’s offensive schemes helped develop quarterbacks like Stetson Bennett and wide receivers like George Pickens.
- Will Muschamp (Co-Defensive Coordinator) – A longtime college and NFL assistant, Muschamp has helped develop elite defenders like Nakobe Dean and Lewis Cine.
- Glenn Schumann (Co-Defensive Coordinator) – The architect of Georgia’s elite linebacker corps, responsible for developing NFL stars like Quay Walker and Roquan Smith.
The Bulldogs’ staff operates with NFL principles, ensuring players are mentally and physically ready for the next level.
3. Strength and Conditioning: NFL-Ready Athletes
One of the biggest reasons Georgia dominates in NFL player development is its strength and conditioning program. Led by Scott Sinclair, Georgia’s strength program is designed to prepare players for the physicality of the league.
Players leaving Georgia are already NFL-ready from a physical standpoint, which gives them an advantage at the combine and in pre-draft evaluations. This is why Bulldogs prospects consistently test well in speed, agility, and strength metrics.
4. Scheme Versatility
Unlike some college programs that run schemes designed to win in college but don’t translate to the NFL, Georgia plays a pro-style offense and defense.
- Defensively, Georgia runs an NFL-caliber system that prepares its players to transition seamlessly to the league. This has helped defensive backs like Derion Kendrick and linebackers like Channing Tindall excel at the next level.
- Offensively, Georgia’s balance between a strong run game and a dynamic passing attack has helped players like Brock Bowers and James Cook thrive in the NFL.
5. Winning Culture and Mental Toughness
NFL teams love Georgia players not just because of their physical skills, but because they come from a winning culture. The Bulldogs’ back-to-back national championships in 2021 and 2022 proved they can perform on the biggest stage.
Players who come out of Georgia are mentally tough, battle-tested, and accustomed to high-pressure situations—exactly the type of talent NFL teams want.
Kirby Smart’s Legacy: The Best Compliment He Could Receive
Kirby Smart has already cemented himself as one of the best coaches in college football, but the ultimate compliment is that his program is the best at preparing players for the NFL.
For recruits who dream of playing in the league, Georgia is now the gold standard. The proof is in the draft picks, the NFL success, and the way Bulldogs players dominate at the next level.
When opposing coaches, NFL scouts, and media analysts recognize Georgia as the top program for NFL preparation, it’s the highest praise Smart and his staff could receive. And with Georgia’s dominance showing no signs of slowing down, that reputation will only continue to grow.