Georgia defensive lineman Jalen Carter, offensive tackle Broderick Jones and edge rusher Nolan Smith were taken in the first-round of the 2023 NFL draft on Thursday night.
Carter, who was considered one of the best prospects, fell to No. 9 overall to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Got another DAWG
Welcome to Philly, @breadmanjalen !#NFLDraft #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/RoNWypu55T
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) April 28, 2023
The Apopka, Florida, native is coming off an All-American season for the Bulldogs as an anchor on the defensive line, racking up 32 tackles, three sacks and two forced fumbles as a junior.
With the 14th pick in the 2023 #NFLDraft, we select OT Broderick Jones. #SteelersDraft pic.twitter.com/2xJE2TAjHA
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) April 28, 2023
Jones went next at No. 14 to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The 2022 first-team All-SEC selection didn’t allow a sack last season.
The Lithonia, Georgia, native is still young, 21, and has tremendous upside and athleticism to boot.
Let's go, @SmithNoland2!#NFLDraft #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/FDmkxicF40
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) April 28, 2023
With the No. 30 pick, the Eagles dipped into the Georgia defense once again and selected Smith, who led the Bulldogs with three sacks and 16 quarterback hurries before suffering a season-ending torn pectoral versus Florida.
The Savannah, Georgia, native joins Carter and former teammates Jordan Davis and Nakobe Dean in Philadelphia. Each were a part of the Bulldogs record-breaking 2021 defense.
We expect to see plenty of more Georgia players selected throughout the weekend. The second and third rounds will begin Friday at 7 p.m. ET with the fourth through seventh rounds starting at noon ET on Saturday.
