Champ Bailey, a former Georgia and Denver Broncos legend, recently expressed his disappointment in the Atlanta Falcons’ draft strategy when it comes to embracing the wealth of talent coming out of the University of Georgia. In a conversation with ESPN’s Kevin Clark on This is Football, Bailey highlighted how the Eagles, who recently won Super Bowl 59, have prioritized Georgia players in their drafts, reaping the benefits of this strategic approach.
The Eagles have made a conscious effort to select Bulldogs in recent years, with five Georgia players drafted over the last three years, including three first-round picks. In contrast, the Falcons, based in the same state as the Bulldogs, have historically overlooked the talent pool in their backyard. Bailey noted that while Georgia consistently produces top NFL prospects, the Falcons have not capitalized on this pipeline as effectively as other teams.
Falcons’ Draft History
Atlanta’s draft history reveals a stark contrast to the Eagles’ approach. The Falcons have only drafted 12 Georgia players in their entire history, dating back to 1966. Notably, the team has never selected a Georgia player in the first two rounds of the draft. The highest Bulldog ever picked by the Falcons was Scott Woerner at No. 80 overall in 1981. Since then, the team has predominantly overlooked homegrown talent in favor of players from other programs.
Among the few Georgia players the Falcons have drafted, linebacker Akeem Dent stands out as a notable pick from the 2011 draft. However, Dent spent only three seasons of his six-year career with Atlanta, indicating a missed opportunity for the team to leverage local talent. Despite Georgia’s track record of producing NFL players, the Falcons have only selected three Bulldogs in the past five years, all in the sixth round.
The Kirby Smart Effect
Bailey attributed Georgia’s success in developing NFL-caliber players to head coach Kirby Smart’s influence, particularly on the defensive line. Drawing from his own experience playing alongside Smart in college, Bailey praised the coach’s ability to nurture elite talent, which has made Georgia a desirable destination for top prospects. Players like Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter, who have excelled under Smart’s guidance, serve as prime examples of Georgia’s ability to produce standout defensive linemen.
The Falcons, currently holding the No. 15 overall pick in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft, face mounting pressure to reevaluate their draft strategy and consider selecting Georgia players early on. Given Atlanta’s historical struggles in the pass rush department, targeting a Bulldog like Mykel Williams or Jalon Walker in the first round could address a critical team need while tapping into the rich vein of talent available at Georgia.
As the NFL landscape continues to evolve, with teams increasingly prioritizing talent development and strategic drafting, the Falcons stand at a crossroads. The decision to embrace Georgia talent could not only bolster the team’s roster but also resonate with fans and stakeholders who recognize the value of investing in local players with proven potential.
Stay tuned as the 2025 NFL Draft approaches to see if the Falcons heed Champ Bailey’s advice and pivot towards a more Georgia-centric approach in their player selection process. The future success of the team may well hinge on their willingness to embrace the wealth of talent emerging from the University of Georgia.
