News Summary

In a remarkable showcase of talent, 23 players from Georgia high schools were selected in the 2025 NFL Draft, making it the third highest representation for any state. This highlights the state’s growing reputation for producing top-level NFL prospects, with notable athletes like Travis Hunter and Mykel Williams making waves as first-round picks. Georgia’s football programs continue to thrive, contrasting sharply with past decades, as predictions for future drafts indicate promising potential for upcoming athletes from the region.

Atlanta, Georgia — The 2025 NFL Draft saw a significant representation from Georgia high schools, with a total of 23 former players being selected. This impressive number is the third highest for any state, surpassing Georgia’s ten-year average of 21.3 selections. The state ranked second overall for producing homegrown NFL talent, trailing only Florida, which led with 26 selections, including three from the prestigious IMG Academy.

Among the 23 players drafted from Georgia, six hailed from Gwinnett County, showcasing the area’s continued football prowess. This year’s draft was particularly notable as three former athletes from the AJC Super 11—Travis Hunter, Mykel Williams, and Malaki Starks—secured their places in the first round, marking a highlight for Georgia’s representation in the league. This year’s first-round picks are also Georgia’s highest since four were drafted in 2022.

Travis Hunter emerged as the highest-selected Georgian, being picked second overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars. Following him, Mykel Williams was chosen 11th overall by the San Francisco 49ers, while Malaki Starks rounded out the first-round picks at 27th overall going to the Baltimore Ravens. Additional notable selections included Tate Ratledge, who was drafted in the second round by the Detroit Lions, Barrett Carter in the fourth round to the Cincinnati Bengals, and Smael Mondon picked in the fifth round by the Philadelphia Eagles.

Interestingly, several players who entered the draft faced challenges during their high school recruiting process. Noteworthy mentions include Jalen Royals, Zah Frazier, Julian Ashby, and Dan Jackson, all selected in the later rounds after being under-recruited. Jackson, a safety, was notable for being a walk-on at Georgia and became the first player from North Hall to be drafted, underlining the potential that can emerge from less conventional paths.

In total, the 2025 draft saw 23 selections from Georgia, mirroring the numbers from 2023 and featuring at least one selection in each of the seven rounds. This continued growth in talent contrasts sharply with the 1990s when Georgia had a mere average of 11.6 selections per draft. Georgia’s football program has gained significant traction in recent years, particularly under head coach Kirby Smart, who has led the Bulldogs to seven of nine SEC Championships since his appointment in 2016.

Looking ahead, predictions for the 2026 NFL Draft suggest that only one Georgia player, linebacker CJ Allen, may land a first-round pick, while seven SEC players are expected to be selected before him. This includes notable quarterbacks such as La Norris Sellers from South Carolina and Garrett Nussmeier from LSU. Nonetheless, Georgia’s roster remains strong, featuring 10 scholarship seniors who are expected to play critical roles in the coming season.

Arian Smith, drafted by the New York Jets in the fourth round, is recognized for his elite speed, a vital asset during his college career. However, experts note he will need to focus on improving his concentration to minimize dropped passes. Georgia continues to cultivate talent for future drafts, with several players already being projected as potential first-round picks for the 2026 class.

The trend of Georgia producing high-quality NFL prospects is a testament to the strength of its high school football programs and the development offered at the college level. As the state continues to emerge as a powerhouse in football, all eyes are on Georgia as it prepares for future drafts and the promising talent it will undoubtedly present.