Kirby Smart has solidified Georgia’s reputation as an NFL talent factory and notably has the program breaking NFL draft records, but one statistic reveals that the Bulldogs’ defensive pipeline to the NFL predates his tenure.
Since 2000, former Georgia Bulldogs have amassed a remarkable 1,004 NFL sacks from linebackers and defensive linemen alone. This total leads all programs, surpassing Ohio State’s 715 by a significant margin.
The NFL has witnessed the impact of numerous Georgia defensive stars, with players like Justin Houston (112 sacks), Geno Atkins (75.5 sacks), and Charles Johnson (67.5 sacks) posting impressive sack totals. This trend continues with recent contributors such as Leonard Floyd (66.5 sacks), Jordan Jenkins (25 sacks), and Travon Walker (24 sacks).
Numerous former Bulldogs are making significant impacts on NFL defenses with Kirby Smart consistently producing elite defensive talent, this trend shows no signs of slowing down.
Continuing the tradition of Georgia defensive excellence in the 2025 NFL draft are standouts such as linebackers Smael Mondon and Jalon Walker, and defensive linemen Nazir Stackhouse, Warren Brinson, Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, and Mykel Williams.
