Three former Bulldogs had their names called during the first round of the NFL Draft in Kansas City tonight.

Jalen Carter was first to be called as the Philadelphia Eagles selected him after they traded up to the 9th pick to get him. Jalen came to UGA in the 2020 class as the 18th overall-rated prospect and lived up to the hype.

He spent three seasons as a Bulldog and was an unanimous All-American in 2022 and a first-team All-SEC selection in 2022 and 2021. In those three seasons, he combined for 83 tackles, 6 sacks and 2 forced fumbles. 

Broderick Jones was next to be selected, and he went to the Pittsburgh Steelers with the 14th pick. 

Jones was the #11th-rated prospect and the #2 OT in the 2020 cycle. He became the full-season starter at left tackle this past season after taking over for Jamaree Salyer. In 664 pass-blocking snaps, Jones only allowed two sacks, with both coming in 2021. He earned first-team All-SEC honors this past season. 

Nolan Smith was next to be picked and was selected with the 30th pick by the Philadelphia Eagles. He came in as the number one overall player in the 2019 class. In his 4-year career he totaled 113 tackles, 11.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and 1 interception. Unfortunately, Smith's final season as a Bulldog was cut short due to a torn pectoral suffered against Florida. 

Smith was the second UGA defender the Eagles selected in the first round. He and Carter will join two teammates from the 2021 UGA team that won the national title after Philadelphia selected DT Jordan Davis and LB Nakobe Dean in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Rounds 2-3 of the NFL Draft start Friday at 7:00 PM EST. Kelee Ringo, Christopher Smith, Kenny McIntosh, Warren McClendon and Stetson Bennett are among the former Bulldogs hoping to have their names called as the draft continues on Friday and Saturday.

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