Georgia defensive lineman Jalen Carter on stage after being selected by the Philadelphia Eagles Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Let's just call them the Philadelphia Bulldogs

By David J. Hunt | Last updated 4/28/23

It's often said that history repeats itself. This saying couldn't be more true when it comes to the Philadelphia Eagles drafting Georgia Bulldogs.

In last year's NFL Draft, the Eagles selected Georgia defensive tackle Jordan Davis in the first round and linebacker Nakobe Dean in the third.

On Thursday night in the first round, they added two more Bulldogs, defensive tackle Jalen Carter and edge rusher Nolan Smith.

Carter, the No. 1 prospect in the draft according to ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr, fell to the Eagles at No. 9 -- undoubtedly because of off-field troubles.

On March 1, Carter was charged with reckless driving and racing in connection with a crash that killed a teammate and a recruiting staff member. He was released later after posting a $4,000 bond. On March 16, he was sentenced to 12 months probation and community service.

Despite these concerns, the Eagles took a chance on Carter. Ian Rapoport of NFL.com said the Eagles are equipped to "get the best out of" him.

From our NFL Draft coverage: The #Eagles have the infrastructure to bring the best out of #Georgia DT Jalen Carter. pic.twitter.com/TFns6TU1sr
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 28, 2023

Smith is a prototypical edge rusher who can stop the run, set the edge and get to the quarterback. Interestingly, his pro comparison is Eagles star edge rusher Haason Reddick, per USA Today. Smith was seen as a leader on the Bulldogs defense.

All four Bulldogs-turned-Eagles played instrumental roles on the stellar Georgia defense that laid the path for back-to-back national championships.

Davis and Dean were on the 2021 championship team, and Carter and Smith played on the 2021 and 2022 championship teams. Their leadership and experience will provide an immediate impact to the Eagles.

The Eagles may aim to get Carter and Smith on the field quickly. Davis and Dean played a limited role for the 2022 NFC champion Eagles. They could be starters this season, however, to make up for Philadelphia's losses in free agency.

Defense wins championships, and the Eagles have four young players on their front seven who know what it's like to be a champion.

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