As the NFL world turns its focus to Super Bowl 59, there’s a familiar thread running through both rosters: the unmistakable presence of former Georgia Bulldogs. Over the past decade, Georgia has not only established itself as a perennial powerhouse in the college football landscape but has also become one of the most consistent pipelines to the NFL. Kirby Smart’s program has churned out elite talent on both sides of the ball, and that influence will be on full display on the sport’s biggest stage. But not all Bulldogs are created equal—some will play pivotal roles in deciding the outcome of the game, while others provide depth or special teams help. Ranking which Georgia alumni will be the most impactful in Super Bowl 59 is not just a fun exercise, but a reminder of how deeply entrenched the Dawgs are in professional football’s upper echelon.
At the top of the list is none other than Jalen Carter, the defensive tackle who has quickly emerged as one of the most dominant interior linemen in the league. Drafted in the first round just a season ago, Carter wasted no time in becoming a nightmare for opposing offensive lines. His combination of speed, power, and technique makes him a game-wrecker, and in a Super Bowl that could be decided in the trenches, his presence is monumental. Carter’s ability to collapse the pocket from the inside is rare, and with a matchup against an offensive line that has shown vulnerabilities under pressure, his performance could dictate the tempo of the entire game. Whether it’s forcing hurried throws or shutting down the run game, Carter’s impact is likely to be felt early and often.
Right behind him is George Pickens, the flashy and supremely talented wide receiver who has grown into a legitimate WR1 threat at the professional level. Pickens brings swagger, high-point ability, and a knack for circus catches that energize his team and demoralize opponents. His route tree has expanded significantly since his Georgia days, and his chemistry with his quarterback is peaking at the perfect time. Pickens has the rare ability to turn a short slant into a touchdown or make a contested catch in double coverage look routine. In a game where every possession counts, his ability to flip the field or score in the red zone will be vital. If the defense keys in too hard on his team’s No. 1 target, Pickens could feast—and he’s shown in the playoffs that he doesn’t need many targets to make a massive impact.
Third on the list is Nolan Smith, the relentless edge rusher whose high motor and elite athleticism make him a constant threat off the edge. Though he had to wait his turn behind a crowded depth chart early in his NFL career, Smith has found his niche as a pass-rush specialist and occasional run-stopper. What separates Smith is not just his quick first step but his understanding of angles and leverage, which often puts offensive tackles on skates. In a Super Bowl matchup where pressuring the quarterback without blitzing could be the difference between winning and losing, Smith’s ability to get home with four rushers makes him a critical piece. He may not fill the stat sheet, but his pressure can force turnovers, bad decisions, or crucial incompletions.
Coming in fourth is Kelee Ringo, the long, physical cornerback whose journey to the Super Bowl has been as intriguing as his physical tools. Ringo has matured into a dependable member of the secondary, and in a game that will likely feature plenty of high-octane passing attacks, his ability to match up against bigger receivers will be key. What makes Ringo so valuable is his versatility—he can play outside, in the slot, or even step up in run support when needed. His ball skills, a trait he flashed in college with a national championship-clinching pick-six, remain top-tier. If the opposing offense targets him, he has the chance to make them pay. A timely interception or pass deflection could tilt the balance of the game, and Ringo is more than capable of delivering that type of play on the game’s biggest stage.
Next up is Jamaree Salyer, the versatile offensive lineman who has become a plug-and-play savior for his team. Injuries along the offensive front have made depth a premium, and Salyer’s ability to play both guard and tackle at a high level gives his coaches peace of mind. He’s not the flashiest name on the field, but ask any coach or quarterback, and they’ll tell you how critical he is. Salyer’s anchor strength, footwork, and intelligence allow him to pick up blitzes, win one-on-one matchups, and create running lanes in critical moments. In a Super Bowl that may come down to who can control the line of scrimmage in the fourth quarter, Salyer’s ability to hold up under pressure will be one of the game’s silent but decisive factors.
Following closely is Jordan Davis, the behemoth nose tackle who is part mountain, part myth. Davis has made a career out of swallowing double teams and allowing linebackers to run free, and in a Super Bowl matchup that could become a chess match in the trenches, his space-eating presence cannot be overstated. While Davis won’t fill the box score with sacks, his role in limiting the run game and keeping the opposing offense behind the sticks is crucial. Few players in the league can command as much respect with as few snaps as Davis, and his rotational role allows him to stay fresh and explosive in short bursts. His ability to disrupt plays before they start, especially on early downs, could help dictate the game script in his team’s favor.
Travon Walker, the former No. 1 overall pick, is next in line and continues to grow into his role as a do-everything defender. Though he has been used in multiple roles—edge, linebacker, even sliding inside at times—Walker’s versatility makes him a defensive coordinator’s dream. He’s big enough to set the edge against the run, quick enough to drop into coverage when needed, and powerful enough to bull-rush tackles in obvious passing situations. His impact might not come in a headline-grabbing sack, but in subtly affecting the opposing quarterback’s internal clock or chasing down a would-be 20-yard gain to limit it to five. Walker’s length, intelligence, and motor make him the kind of player who steps up when the lights are the brightest.
Following him is Darnell Washington, the mammoth tight end who may not have huge receiving numbers but plays a vital role in the run game and red zone packages. At 6-foot-7 and nearly 270 pounds, Washington is essentially an extra tackle with soft hands. He’s a matchup nightmare for defensive backs and too fast for linebackers to trail on seam routes. His blocking prowess is often overlooked, but it enables his team to have success in outside zone runs and play-action rollouts. In a Super Bowl, situational football reigns supreme, and Washington is the type of player who can convert a third-and-one with a devastating block or catch a game-changing touchdown when everyone else is covered.
