The NFL's Only-Georgia Team

After last weekend, there are currently 62 Bulldogs active in the NFL (excludes unrestricted free agents)—or more than enough players to fulfill an entire league roster.

UGASports decided to play general manager of a hypothetical NFL team made up entirely of former Georgia players currently active in the league. In anticipation of the 2024 season, we first trimmed down the squad to a 53-man roster. From there, a depth chart was established.

Considering the following depth charts, how would an NFL team comprised of only former Georgia players—an Only-Georgia team—fare this season in the league?

(Each former Georgia player is followed by his NFL team and number of years of league experience, including the 2024 season, in parenthesis. R=Rookie.)

We’re headed at quarterback by veteran Matthew Stafford, who, in his mid-30s last season, was named to the Pro Bowl. His reserve, Stetson Bennett, is the same signal-caller who’ll actually back him up in 2024 with the Los Angeles Rams.

The Only-Georgia team would likely have the best set of running backs in the history of the league. Although Nick Chubb will likely not be 100 percent by the start of the season, we went ahead and established him as our primary back. Following close behind is James Cook, who’d be effective as our third-down back.

Considering the unit’s top player, George Pickens, has been largely inconsistent and we’re essentially starting two slot receivers (although we’ll likely line Ladd McConkey out wide), the team is thin at wide receiver. Loaded at tight end, however, with Brock Bowers, Charlie Woerner, and Darnell Washington, we’re looking forward to exhibiting a three-tight end set on occasion.

Of the team’s nine offensive linemen, five were first-round selections. Center David Andrews, who has been New England’s starting center and a seven-time team captain since 2016, anchors the unit. At right guard, Ben Cleveland, who appears will be a full-time starter in 2024 for Baltimore, just edges out Jamaree Slayer—for now.

Our 4-3 defense is highlighted by what would probably be the top group of defensive tackles in the NFL. The top four at the unit—Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Devonte Wyatt, and John Jenkins—all have all-star potential. Travon Walker, the No. 1 pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, and veteran Leonard Floyd, who totaled a career-high 10.5 sacks with Buffalo last season, man the two starting defensive end spots.

Roquan Smith, one of four Pro Bowlers from last year on the team, spearheads a stout linebacking corps. Smith is joined by Quay Walker and Nakobe Dean as starters, along with quality depth on the second team.

At safety is where there’s likely the most concern for this team. Javon Bullard and Tykee Smith, perhaps our top two players at the position, are both rookies. On the contrary, Only-Georgia is sound at cornerback. The top four at the two positions were all starters in the league towards the end of last season. In addition, rookie Kamari Lassiter, who will possibly start at nickel back for Houston as a rookie, will provide depth.

As far as our specialists, long-snapper Nick Moore was a Pro Bowler in 2022. Punter Jake Camarda likely should’ve been a Pro Bowler a year ago. And although Jack Podlesny has yet to attempt a kick in the NFL, we like our chances with one of the most accurate placekickers in SEC history.

There you have it—the NFL’s Only-Georgia team. For what it lacks at wide receiver and safety, it more than makes up for with an unfathomable stable of backs, a deep, talented offensive line, and a front-seven on defense which would worry most opposing offenses.