Philadelphia, PA – June 7, 2025
The Philadelphia Eagles may have built a reputation for savvy drafting and bold roster building — but their recent obsession with one particular college program is sparking serious debate. With yet another former Georgia Bulldog reportedly on the team’s radar, fans and analysts alike are beginning to ask: Has Philly taken the “Georgia pipeline” too far?
Since 2022, the Eagles have invested heavily in former Georgia defenders: Jordan Davis, Nakobe Dean, Jalen Carter, Kelee Ringo, Nolan Smith Jr., and now Quinyon Mitchell — who, though from Toledo, is playing within the same defensive philosophy crafted by Georgia’s famed coaching staff. And if recent rumors are true, former No. 1 pick Travon Walker may be the next addition.
"It’s starting to feel like they’re just rebuilding Kirby Smart’s defense in green," one NFC executive told Heavy Sports. "And while those guys are talented, it does beg the question — are they prioritizing familiarity over fit?"
Inside Eagles circles, the logic has always been about talent and chemistry. General Manager Howie Roseman has leaned into the idea that championship DNA from Georgia — back-to-back CFP titles in 2021 and 2022 — could translate to the NFL. And in some cases, it has. Carter looked like a future All-Pro at times last season. Nolan Smith Jr. is reportedly dominating OTAs. But others, like Nakobe Dean, have struggled to stay healthy and make an impact.
Critics argue that such a tight recruiting pattern could limit diversity in scheme and skill set — or worse, signal a lack of broader scouting creativity.
"The Georgia guys know how to win," said veteran safety Reed Blankenship. "But at this level, you also need guys who can adapt, innovate, and lead outside of what they were taught in college."
On social media, the reaction has been mixed. Some fans are thrilled by the potential of reuniting elite college talent. Others worry the Eagles are building a defense that plays great on paper, but fails to evolve against modern NFL offenses.
A popular post on X summed it up bluntly: "We’re not Athens. We’re Philly. Stop acting like the SEC is the only place that matters."
If the Eagles go all-in on another Georgia defender this offseason — especially in a potential blockbuster deal for Travon Walker — expect the criticism to intensify. At a time when the NFC East arms race is accelerating, the Eagles’ draft and trade strategy may need to balance familiarity with flexibility.
For now, the "Bulldog DNA" runs deep in Philly. Whether that leads to a Super Bowl or a stubborn identity crisis remains to be seen.
