Three Former Georgia Bulldogs with Plenty to Prove in the NFL in 2024

The Georgia Bulldogs have arguably become the dominant force in the NCAA in recent years. They romped to back-to-back titles in 2022 and 2023, and they did so in dominant fashion: they defeated the Alabama Crimson Tide by a score of 33 points to 18 in their first triumph before smashing the TCU Horned Frogs 65-7 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles last year. Unfortunately for the Bulldogs, Alabama would have their revenge last season.

The pair faced off in the SEC Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, and Georgia was the heavy favorite for glory as the top seeds. Alabama was a lowly eighth seed and unfancied, but they managed to pull off a shocking upset, winning by three points.

Such has been the Bulldogs' dominance in recent years, it is safe to say that plenty of their alumni have made their way to the NFL. But as the 2024 campaign approaches, some players have more to prove than others.

Justin Fields

Dynamic playmaker Justin Fields finds himself at a crossroads following his trading to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The latest Bovada Super Bowl betting odds make the Black and Yellows a rank +3000 outsider for the Lombardi next season. Hardly the most glowing review of their incoming man under center.

The 25-year-old made a name for himself during his one-year collegiate tenure with the Georgia Bulldogs before transferring to Ohio State. At Sanford Stadium, the quarterback showcased his dual-threat abilities, impressing with his arm strength, mobility, and poise under pressure. He went from strength to strength following his transfer to the Buckeyes, finishing third in the Heisman trophy running in 2019. 

However, since making the jump to the NFL, things haven't gone to plan. He was an 11th overall pick for the Chicago Bears in the 2021 draft and he was expected to lead the Windy City outfit back to the promised land. Unfortunately for both player and team, that didn't materialize and despite showing flashes of brilliance, Fields was unable to throw for over 3,000 yards in any of his three campaigns as a starter, as per NFL.com.

Now, he moves to Pittsburgh with his career on the line. Both he and former Super Bowl winner Russell Wilson have made the move to Acrisure Stadium and it remains uncertain who will be the starter for their season opener against the Atlanta Falcons on September 8th. But if Fields can't find a way to make an impression for the Steelers this term, he may very well find himself out of the league altogether in the not-so-distant future. 

Travon Walker

Travon Walker emerged as a disruptive force on the defensive line during his time at Georgia, showcasing elite pass-rushing skills and exceptional athleticism. A dominant presence for the Bulldogs, his ability to wreak havoc in opposing backfields earned him recognition as one of the top prospects in the draft. He was duly selected first overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars last term but unfortunately for him, his maiden campaign didn't quite live up to expectations.

The Florida outfit ended up missing out on the postseason altogether last term, falling victim to a rejuvenated Houston Texans spearheaded by the sensational C.J. Stroud. Next season, finding a way to topple the Lone Star State outfit is the number one priority, and that will be an even more arduous task following the additions of both Stefon Diggs and Joe Mixon. If they are to do that, they need their marquee linebacker to be on the top of his game. 

Don't get us wrong, 3.5 sacks and 49 tackles are nothing to be scoffed at, but now he needs to turn into a leader and marshal the defense. Only five teams in the AFC conceded more points than the Jaguars last term, and stopping that leak will be crucial to any playoff aspirations.

Matthew Stafford

Thanks to his cannon arm, incredible leadership, and forever-clutch performances, Matthew Stafford is one of the Georgia Bulldogs' finest-ever exports. The Tampa-born star enjoyed a stellar junior year in 2008, throwing for 3,459 yards and 25 touchdowns before going on to be drafted first overall by the Detroit Lions. As was the case in Georgia, Stafford would become a cult hero at Ford Field before moving to the Los Angeles Rams and helping his side to Super Bowl glory three seasons ago.

Many would say that the two-time Pro Bowler has nothing to prove following a glittering career. But we beg to differ. At the age of 37, his adoring SoFI Stadium public may well wonder whether he still has what it takes to be a franchise quarterback at the tail end of his career.

Memories of his injury title defense campaign of 2022 still live long in the memory. Will further difficulties resurface or will he remain fit and help lead his side to the playoffs? Last term, he almost racked up his tenth 4,000+ yards season as he helped his side to the wildcard round of the postseason. Anything less this term and further questions will be asked.