With former Georgia players the Falcons passed over, the Eagles win the Super Bowl.

The Context Behind the Falcons’ Decision

The Falcons’ decision to bypass former Georgia players in the 2025 draft, while still selecting players they believed could meet their needs, was a calculated move. Historically, the Falcons have struggled with roster consistency and performance, particularly on defense, but their focus this year shifted toward building a more balanced and dynamic offensive and defensive strategy.

Many pundits and analysts pointed out the irony in the Falcons passing over Georgia players who would go on to make waves elsewhere. The team, needing to bolster its defensive front, chose players who they believed would fit their system better or were simply more highly rated by their scouting department. Yet, as the Eagles showed with their savvy drafting and player development, the right choices can turn into long-term success.

The Scouting Process and Player Development

One of the main differentiators between the Falcons and the Eagles in this case was how the latter organization managed their player development and roster decisions. While the Falcons prioritized certain profiles, the Eagles recognized the raw potential in several Georgia alumni, particularly in terms of their high ceiling for defensive prowess. These players, well-coached in the SEC’s high-pressure environment, had the tools to succeed in the NFL.

• Cooper DeJean (CB): As a cornerback, DeJean showed off his elite ball skills and awareness, traits that were essential for the Eagles’ defensive system. His physical attributes—speed, agility, and the ability to read quarterbacks—made him a standout on Philadelphia’s defense, particularly in high-stakes moments. His interception return in Super Bowl LIX was a perfect example of his quick reflexes and understanding of the game.
• Zach Baun (OLB): Baun’s work ethic and relentless play style made him a perfect fit for the Eagles’ aggressive pass rush. Throughout the season, his ability to disrupt offenses with consistent pressure on the quarterback gave the Eagles’ defensive unit a much-needed edge. In Super Bowl LIX, his performance played a key role in keeping Kansas City’s offensive line on its heels.
• Jake Elliott (K): Although Elliott wasn’t a former Georgia player, his performance during the Super Bowl highlighted how key special teams players could also make or break a championship win. His accurate kicks throughout the game added to the Eagles’ confidence and momentum, ensuring they capitalized on every opportunity.

The Eagles’ scouting department, led by General Manager Howie Roseman, made the strategic call to prioritize defensive depth and impact players over selecting offensive prospects. While many questioned their approach in the early rounds of the draft, the final results proved their strategy to be spot-on.

The Impact on the Falcons’ Long-Term Future

The Falcons, while assembling an intriguing roster with high-potential players, could not help but watch as the Eagles, with their defensive muscle and timely offense, hoisted the Lombardi Trophy. The defeat raised questions within the Falcons’ front office about their draft decisions and whether they had missed out on an opportunity to secure future stars, especially when former Georgia players like DeJean and Baun were making such an impact on the national stage.

In particular, Falcons fans couldn’t ignore the presence of Jalen Carter—a Georgia defensive lineman drafted by the Eagles and a key contributor to their championship defense. While Atlanta focused on a different direction, Carter’s performance in the Super Bowl highlighted his dominance. Had the Falcons made the choice to select him, they could have potentially addressed their pass rush issues and provided a forceful presence alongside their defensive linemen.

Evaluating the Draft Choices Post-Super Bowl

As the 2025 NFL Draft season unfolds and teams evaluate their needs, the Falcons will surely take note of what transpired in the Super Bowl. Atlanta will now have to reckon with the reality that while they passed over Georgia players for other positions of need, the Eagles’ approach to the draft proved to be highly beneficial.

Let’s break down how the Falcons’ roster, as currently constructed, contrasts with the players they could have drafted.

• Defensive Line: The Falcons’ defensive line has been an area of focus for years. However, with Georgia’s Carter drafted by the Eagles, and the Falcons opting for other players like Mykel Williams from another program, the comparison of those defensive units speaks volumes. Carter’s pressure in the middle of the field disrupted offensive game plans, and had the Falcons made that pick, it could have led to a more potent pass rush.
• Cornerback and Secondary: The Eagles’ choice of DeJean provided a much-needed boost to their secondary. Known for his versatility and playmaking ability, DeJean excelled in coverage situations and often baited quarterbacks into errors. Comparatively, Atlanta selected other players for their secondary but lacked the kind of game-changer that DeJean proved to be.
• Pass Rusher (Zach Baun): Baun’s relentless play on the outside for the Eagles could have made a tremendous impact in Atlanta, where pass-rushing consistency has long been a problem. His ability to close in on quarterbacks and make pivotal plays down the stretch was evident in Super Bowl LIX.

Looking Ahead to the 2025 Draft

With the Super Bowl outcome fresh in their minds, the Falcons are undoubtedly reevaluating their approach for the upcoming draft. There will be heavy scrutiny over their decision-making processes and an increased focus on scouting players from Georgia, especially considering the impact those players had on the Eagles’ Super Bowl win.

While the Eagles have proven that a championship-caliber roster can be built with strategic draft decisions, the Falcons are left with the daunting task of figuring out how to put together a similar foundation. Will they choose to target players from the state of Georgia, particularly given the talent that emerged from that program in the Super Bowl? Or will they once again opt for different directions, hoping to replicate the success other teams have found through different routes?

For Falcons fans, the question remains: could passing on former Georgia players be the missed opportunity that prevents Atlanta from ever winning a Super Bowl, or is there still hope for a team destined to find its own path to glory?

A Legacy of Missed Opportunities and New Hope

The story of the Eagles’ Super Bowl LIX win over the Chiefs, and the overlooked former Georgia players who played a pivotal role, provides a cautionary tale for the Atlanta Falcons. The team’s decision to bypass these talented athletes left a void in their own defense, which the Eagles quickly capitalized on.

However, this scenario is far from over for the Falcons. Every draft is an opportunity to correct past mistakes and build a more cohesive team for the future. The 2025 Super Bowl victory by the Eagles serves as both a wake-up call and a guide to building a championship contender through thoughtful, thorough scouting.

If Atlanta can learn from the Eagles’ strategy and the players they overlooked, the Falcons’ own Super Bowl window may not be too far off. For now, they can only watch as Philadelphia’s defensive players from Georgia lift the Lombardi Trophy—a painful reminder of the path they chose not to take.