Jan 28, 2025; Mobile, AL, USA; American team linebacker Smael Mondon Jr. of Georgia (32) lines up during Senior Bowl practice for the American team at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images
Eagles general manager Howie Roseman never met a Georgia Bulldog defensive player he didn't like.
The Birds selected linebacker Smael Mondon Jr. with a fifth-round pick in the NFL Draft on Saturday, giving them an eighth defensive player from the school.
Georgia players on #Eagles defense
Jordan Davis (DT)
Nakobe Dean (LB)
Jalen Carter (DT)
Nolan Smith (EDGE)
Kelee Ringo (CB)
Lewis Cine (S)
Azeez Ojulari (EDGE)
Smael Mondon (LB)
Collecting Bulldogs like Infinity Stones pic.twitter.com/pzZWJSTr4B
NFL.com had projected Mondon Jr. to be taken in the third round:
"Mondon is physical and can run. He’s quick to flow downhill and challenge blocks with good pop. He’s inconsistent to diagnose and flow accurately to his fits, but he has good pursuit speed to range and tackle to the sidelines. He pursues the action with focus and leverage. Mondon becomes tackle-ready quickly in space. He’s effective on passing downs with good coverage and blitz talent. The run game instincts could slow him early in his career, but he’s a battle-tested, three-down option with special teams value and starting potential."
The publication notes that the linebacker has "vast experience in high-leverage games over three seasons" and is a "reliable tackler with plus athleticism and technique," but also that he is "undersized with a frame that might be maxed out."
Florida snapped it right through the quarterback's legs on a trick play...and it did not work. pic.twitter.com/fwS2byuRGv
Mondon Jr., 22, is listed at 6'2", 224 lbs.
