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Champ Bailey Reveals ‘Unfortunate’ Trend For Major College Football Program

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By J.C. Shelton | Last updated Feb 14, 2025 1:00 PM ET

Pro Football Hall of Fame member Champ Bailey knows plenty about what it takes to succeed in football, and the former Georgia Bulldog is wondering why the Atlanta Falcons haven't tapped into the talent at his alma mater.

Bailey retired in 2014 after 15 seasons in the NFL. The former cornerback still holds the record for the most passes defended (203) and is the only player at his position to make as many Pro Bowls (12).

Hailing from Folkston, Georgia, Bailey signed with the Bulldogs in 1996 and went on to solidify his name in UGA lore. He did just about everything for the Bulldogs, including playing offense, defense and special teams for the football team while running track in the spring.

Bailey went on to become the No. 7 overall pick in the 1999 NFL Draft after earning consensus All-American honors in his final season at Georgia.

Bailey's former UGA teammate, Kirby Smart, has built an NFL factory at his alma mater, as the Bulldogs hold the record for the most draft picks in one year (15) while leading the nation in total draft picks since 2020 (49).

Despite the Falcons' close proximity to the program, Atlanta has never used a first or second-round pick on a former Bulldog. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Eagles are coming off a Super Bowl year with six former Georgia players on their roster.

Bailey referred to the trend as 'unfortunate' in an interview with ESPN's Kevin Clark.

"You know, it’s unfortunate the hometown Falcons hadn’t got on board with this,” Bailey said. “But, you know, it’s one of those things, man. We always have a lot of talent. And if you could see lately, I think Kirby’s experience in the league and what he values as far as the interior of a defense and offense, that’s really what it boils down to, man."

The Eagles' star-studded defensive line includes former first-round picks Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis and Nolan Smith with linebacker Nakobe Dean, cornerback Kelee Ringo and safety Lewis Cine also representing Georgia.

Each were members of UGA's legendary defense in 2021 that held opponents to 10.2 points per game on the way to a national championship.

“You’re always going to have the most elite defensive lineman come to Georgia just because of who Kirby is,” Bailey said.

Atlanta had two former UGA players on its roster last season – linebacker Lorenzo Carter and tight end Charlie Woerner – and neither were drafted by the franchise. The Falcons have drafted three players in Smart's nine seasons at the helm, all sixth-round selections.

Drafting Georgia players isn't necessarily path to success, but it is hard to understand why the Falcons, who have never won a Super Bowl, continue to pass on the top in-state products out of Athens.

Second-year head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot will have an opportunity to change the trend this spring, as 17 former Bulldogs have declared for the 2025 NFL Draft with 14 players headed to the combine.

The combine will take place on Feb. 27-March 2 before the draft kicks off in Green Bay, Wisconsin, from April 24-26.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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