Entering the 2026 NFL draft, Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart has had almost as many first-round picks (20) than losses (21) during his 10-season career at the University of Georgia. Smart and Georgia have had multiple first-round picks for three consecutive NFL drafts. Georgia has had a first-round pick in eight consecutive NFL drafts dating to the first year of the Kirby Smart era.
Impressively, Georgia has 13 first-round selections over the last four NFL drafts (does not include the 2026 NFL draft). During this time, the Bulldogs have two national championships and three SEC championships.
Following the retirement of Nick Saban, there is no better college football coach at talent acquisition and development than Georgia's Smart. He is an elite recruiter that is not slowing down any time soon even though the transfer portal has created some unique challenges. Let's take a look at every first-round draft pick during the Kirby Smart era.
How it worked out: The Bears made a great pick in Roquan Smith even though Chicago eventually traded him to the Baltimore Ravens. Smith remains one of the best linebackers in the NFL and posted 851 tackles over the first six seasons of his career.
How it worked out: Wynn played the first four seasons of his NFL career in New England. He has shifted inside to offensive guard and started 15 games in his time in the NFL back in 2021. Wynn has not appeared in an NFL game since 2024.
How it worked out: It is hard to believe Sony Michel retired so early. Michel won a pair of Super Bowls and had one of the best postseasons for a running back in NFL history in 2018, when he scored six rushing touchdowns. The NFL lifespan for running backs is short, so we'd consider Michel to be a success despite his short NFL career.
How it worked out: Baker put together a strong rookie season for the Giants, however, New York released Baker after he was arrested in 2020. Injuries have played a role in derailing Baker's NFL career. He's now in the UFL (United Football League).
How it worked out: The Giants hit on Andrew Thomas, who blossomed into one of the top offensive tackles in the NFL when healthy. In 2023, Thomas signed a massive contract extension to stay in New York.
How it worked out: Isaiah Wilson barely played any snaps in the NFL due to off-the-field issues. The Titans traded Wilson after he'd been on their roster for less than a year. Wilson quickly found himself out of the NFL.
How it worked out: Stokes had 25 starts during his first three NFL seasons and has been an effective player. Injuries have hampered Stokes' NFL career, but he's a solid player when healthy and signed a big contract extension with the Las Vegas Raiders.
How it worked out: Walker had 31 starts and 13.5 sacks through his first two seasons in the NFL. Walker may not end up being the best player in his draft class, but he's done enough to earn a $110 million contract extension. Since drafting Walker, Jacksonville had winning records in three of his first four seasons.
How it worked out: Jordan Davis is a run-stuffer with pass rushing upside at the NFL level. Davis helped the Eagles win a Super Bowl and signed a record-setting $78 million contract extension in 2026. In the 2025 season, Davis earned career highs in total tackles (72), tackles for loss (nine), quarterback hits (4 1/2), pass breakups (six), and sacks (4 1/2).
How it worked out: Walker anchored the middle of Green Bay's defense in his first four seasons in the NFL. Walker has recorded over 100 tackles in each of his first four years with the Packers. In the 2026 offseason, the Packers elected to move on from Walker, who signed a $40 million contract to join the Las Vegas Raiders.
How it worked out: Devonte Wyatt has been a solid rotation piece for the Packers. He really emerged in his second year in the league with 5.5 sacks and 36 tackles. Wyatt has been productive with over 100 tackles and 16 sacks in four NFL seasons, but his is coming off a season-ending ankle injury.
How it worked out: Lewis Cine's beginning to his NFL career has not gone as planned. Cine suffered a serious leg injury as a rookie. Though he has recovered, he has not started for the Vikings and has bounced around the league in recent seasons.
How it worked out: Carter nearly won NFL defensive rookie of the year for his 2023 season. Carter is one of the better interior defenders in the league and has won a Super Bowl. He's the next Bulldog due for a big contract extension.
How it worked out: Broderick Jones started 11 games for Pittsburgh as a rookie and has 38 starts in his NFL career. Jones has some questions surrounding his health and the Steelers just declined his fifth-year option.
How it worked out: Smith was part of a stacked pass rusher room in Philadelphia as a rookie. In 2023, Smith recorded 18 tackles and a sack. Smith helped the Eagles win a Super Bowl and posted four sacks in Philadelphia's Super Bowl-winning postseason (2024).
How it worked out: Bowers set multiple NFL and team records as a rookie with Las Vegas. The Raiders have not won much, but Bowers has been productive when healthy and is already one of the best tight ends in the NFL.
How it worked out: Mims has started 30 games during his first two seasons in the NFL. The Bengals have had trouble keeping star quarterback Joe Burrow healthy.