The Philadelphia Eagles have long been a team known for their strong defense, but in recent years, they’ve taken their commitment to dominance on that side of the ball to a new level. Their impressive Super Bowl 57 run was largely fueled by a defense that could overwhelm opposing offenses with its intensity, speed, and ability to take over games. However, what many don’t realize is that the Eagles’ rise to one of the most feared defenses in the NFL wasn’t just a stroke of luck—it’s the result of a strategic rebuild that involved incorporating key players from one of the greatest defenses in NCAA football history: the Georgia Bulldogs.

Let’s break down how the Eagles managed to recreate a defense that combined youth, talent, and championship pedigree—transforming the team into one of the most formidable defensive forces in the NFL today.

The Bulldogs’ Legacy: A Championship Defense

When you talk about the greatest college defenses of all time, the 2021-2022 Georgia Bulldogs defense stands out. Coached by Kirby Smart, Georgia’s defense was a juggernaut, and many experts believe that it ranks among the greatest in NCAA history. The Bulldogs were dominant in every sense of the word, allowing just 10.5 points per game and leading the country in several defensive categories, including total defense and sacks. With players like Jordan Davis, Nakobe Dean, Travon Walker, and Jalen Carter, Georgia was a nightmare for opposing offenses.

In the 2022 NFL Draft, several of these players were selected in the early rounds, and it didn’t take long for them to make their mark in the pros. The Eagles, always looking to bolster their defense, saw an opportunity to grab some of Georgia’s standout stars—players who were already accustomed to playing at a championship level.

Jalen Carter: The Next Dominant Force

When the Eagles selected Jalen Carter in the 2023 NFL Draft, it was a game-changing move. Carter was widely regarded as one of the best prospects in that draft class, and for good reason. As part of Georgia’s legendary defense, he had the kind of skill set that could immediately impact the NFL. Standing at 6’3″ and weighing over 300 pounds, Carter combines power, quickness, and agility in a way that few defensive linemen can match.

For the Eagles, Carter’s addition was a no-brainer. They needed someone who could anchor the middle of their defensive line and create chaos for opposing offenses, much like he did in college. And so far, he’s proven to be everything the Eagles hoped for—showcasing an elite ability to rush the passer, clog running lanes, and disrupt the offensive flow of the game.

Carter’s role in the Eagles’ defense immediately took shape as he began to form a potent duo with Fletcher Cox and Javon Hargrave, two other dominant defensive linemen who helped the Eagles’ defense remain one of the best in the league. With Carter’s rare combination of skills, the Eagles rebuilt their defensive front to mirror Georgia’s fierce defensive line, allowing them to dominate the trenches week after week.

Jordan Davis: A Mountain of Power on the Line

The Eagles’ strategy of mining talent from Georgia didn’t stop with Carter. In fact, one of their key moves came earlier in the 2022 NFL Draft, when they selected Jordan Davis, the massive 6’6″, 340-pound defensive tackle who was a standout at Georgia. Davis was an anchor for the Bulldogs’ defense, playing a key role in both stopping the run and pressuring the quarterback.

While Davis isn’t necessarily a pass-rushing specialist like some of the other defensive stars, his role in the Eagles’ defense cannot be overstated. He is an immovable object in the middle of the line, and his presence allows other players, like Hassan Reddick and Brandon Graham, to get after the quarterback. Davis’ ability to eat up blockers and clog up running lanes has been a key component in the Eagles’ rush defense, which has ranked among the best in the league since his arrival.

The combination of Carter and Davis, along with established veterans like Cox, has given the Eagles a defensive line that can not only rush the passer but also control the line of scrimmage, much like Georgia’s national championship-winning defensive front did in college.

Nakobe Dean: Leadership and Instincts at Linebacker

While the Eagles have built a defensive line that could rival any in the NFL, their linebacker corps also got a major upgrade from Georgia’s powerhouse defense. Nakobe Dean, who captained the Bulldogs’ defense and was one of the most instinctive linebackers in college football, was drafted by the Eagles in 2022.

Dean’s ability to read plays, diagnose offenses, and make key tackles in space made him one of the top defensive players in the country during his college career. For the Eagles, his addition brings a level of speed, intelligence, and leadership to their linebacker room, which has allowed them to maintain a fluid, fast, and disruptive defense. Dean’s versatility means he can excel both in coverage and against the run, providing the Eagles with a well-rounded defensive leader.

Dean’s presence on the field also allows veteran linebacker T.J. Edwards to thrive in his role, with the two of them becoming a dynamic duo in the middle of the field. With Dean being compared to some of the best linebackers in the game, his impact on the Eagles’ defense has been immediate, further strengthening their pursuit of greatness.

Bringing in More Bulldogs: A Strategic Masterstroke

The Eagles didn’t just stop at Carter, Davis, and Dean. They also brought in Travon Walker, another Georgia standout, who was selected first overall in the 2022 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars, but his potential as a pass rusher and edge defender could have made him a fit for the Eagles, too. In addition, the Eagles continued to maintain a focus on adding defensive players with high football IQ and a championship mindset, which is precisely what they did when they signed free agents to add depth to their linebacker and secondary corps.

By incorporating Georgia’s defensive talent into their roster, the Eagles effectively recreated the fearsome unit that helped the Bulldogs dominate college football. This move, pairing young talent with seasoned NFL veterans, created a defensive juggernaut that was not only capable of winning individual matchups but also keeping opposing offenses guessing week after week.

The Eagles’ Greatest Defense: NCAA to NFL Dominance

So, how did the Eagles rebuild what might be considered the greatest defense in NCAA football history in the NFL? They did it by strategically drafting and acquiring key players from Georgia’s 2021-2022 national championship defense, blending their championship pedigree with the resources and structure of an elite NFL team. The result? A defense that is now one of the most feared units in the league.

With Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, and Nakobe Dean all playing pivotal roles in the Eagles’ defense, the team has built an impenetrable front seven capable of wreaking havoc on quarterbacks, shutting down the run game, and keeping offenses off balance. These players’ success in the NFL further solidifies the argument that Georgia’s 2021-2022 defense was not just good—it was a historic force that has carried over into the pros.

As the Eagles continue to dominate, it’s clear that their defensive rebuild, influenced heavily by Georgia’s dominance, is something the NFL—and the Chiefs—won’t soon forget. The Eagles have not only rebuilt a championship-caliber defense, but they’ve done so in a way that will set the standard for years to come.