Georgia LB named as 'player to watch' in the 2025 NFL draft

Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Smael Mondon has been named as a player to watch in the 2025 NFL draft. ESPN NFL draft experts Matt Miller and Jordan Reid both rank Mondon outside their top-five linebackers.

However, Miller considers (subscription required) Mondon to be a player ranked outside the top five to watch.

“We were discussing Mondon as a top-100 prospect this time last year, but he returned to school and should be one of the nation’s best linebackers,” said Miller. Mondon battled through a foot injury during the 2023 college football season and missed spring practice, but could really help his NFL draft stock with a healthy 2024 season.

“At 6-foot-3 and 235 pounds, Mondon has excellent size and length, allowing him to be a three-down difference-maker who registered 42 tackles and three sacks last season,” continued Miller. “Improvement in pass coverage could make Mondon a top-five linebacker.”

Interestingly, Miller has Georgia’s Jalon Walker as his third-ranked linebacker in the 2025 draft class. Walker does not start for Georgia, but led the Bulldogs in sacks during the 2023 season. Walker could also project as an edge prospect at the next level.

ESPN has Georgia quarterback Carson Beck as the No. 1 pick in their recent 2025 NFL mock draft.