SEC football, it just means more.
The SEC had an epic showing on night one of the NFL Draft, as fifteen players were announced in the first round. Texas, in its first season of conference realignment, led the way along with Georgia with 3 picks each.
SEC by school include:
A few notable players who were not taken in the first round include Jalen Milroe, Luther Burden Jr., Nick Emmanwori, Nic Scourton, Trey Amos, and many more who could find a home on day two of the draft, which will begin on Friday evening.
Two of the best defensive players in the draft went in the first round to the Atlanta Falcons. With the No. 15 overall pick, Jalon Walker was the first move, trading with the Los Angeles Rams and getting Tennessee defensive end James Pearce Jr.
Walker last season won the Butkus Award for best linebacker in the country. Two of the better pass pressure stars in this draft, and with both picks, Atlanta addressed their needs for help on the defense side of the ball.
Also, Jalon Walker is the first player Atlanta has chosen from the University of Georgia in the current NFL Draft era.
One of the moves on Thursday evening surprised many Cowboys fans as Dallas selected Alabama’s Tyler Booker 12th overall.
The Cowboys, looking to add to their offense, decided to go offensive line instead of going wide receiver in the early rounds.
Booker was named a first-team All-American and All-SEC in his senior season at Alabama. The Cowboys will project him to play right guard, filling the void left by Zach Martin, who recently retired.
The second round is on Friday, and expect Dallas to look at the receiver group, which still has many good players left on the table to choose from.
The Giants traded up Thursday evening with the Houston Texans at 25 and got their Quarterback in Dart. He was a first-team All-SEC selection in 2024, leading the conference in passing yards and setting program records at Ole Miss.
He ended the season with 4,279 yards, 29 touchdowns, and six interceptions.
The Giants’ already-full quarterback room with Russell Wilson, Jameis Winston, and now Dart will give him a chance to grow and develop under two veterans and have the opportunity to be their quarterback of the future down the road.
With the Giants moving up Houston will now have No. 34 in the second round, No. 99 in the third round, and a 2026 third-round pick.
Other notable names include:
Mykel Williams went No. 11 overall from Georgia to the San Francisco 49ers, while Kelvin Banks Jr., an offensive lineman from Texas, was selected No. 9 overall by the New Orleans Saints.
Armand Membou, one of the top offensive linemen on the board out of Missouri, was picked No. 7 by the New York Jets.
The big get out of the top five was Offensive lineman Will Campbell going No.4 overall to the New England Patriots.
The one sure thing is the SEC will have its day and moment whenever the time comes for them to show out.
On Thursday night during the opening of the NFL Draft, teams and players showcased just how tough and formidable this conference is, underscoring why it’s considered one of the best in college football.
For more College football coverage, Click here. Alabama Football: How To Reignite the Dynasty. –
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