The Philadelphia Eagles have a knack for tapping into the talent pipeline from the University of Georgia, with four former Bulldogs already anchoring their starting lineup and a fifth expected to join soon. Now, another Georgia standout, Smael Mondon, is making waves in training camp, positioning himself as a potential game-changer for the Eagles’ defense.
Selected in the fifth round of this year’s NFL Draft, Mondon arrived in Philadelphia with a reputation as a multi-year starter at Georgia. Despite battling injuries during his college career, Mondon’s on-field performance when healthy was nothing short of electric. Known for his relentless energy and playmaking ability, he consistently stood out as one of the best players on the field. The Eagles, recognizing his potential, took a calculated gamble on the talented linebacker, and early signs suggest that bet is paying off.
Just months into his professional career, Mondon is already earning first-team reps at training camp, a testament to his skill and work ethic. While this doesn’t guarantee an immediate starting role—veterans Nakobe Dean and Zack Baun currently hold those positions—Mondon’s rapid rise is turning heads. His ability to compete at such a high level so early in his career signals a bright future, potentially as a starter in the near term.
Smael Mondon Jr. is getting first team reps with Zach Baun on the sideline
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) June 10, 2025
Mondon’s college resume speaks volumes about his capabilities. Over four years at Georgia, he amassed 212 tackles, eight sacks, and 18 tackles for loss across 51 games. His contributions were instrumental in helping the Bulldogs secure two national championships and two SEC titles. Despite his injury history, Mondon’s versatility and production make him a valuable asset for the Eagles, whether as a rotational player or a future starter.
At minimum, the Eagles appear to have landed a fifth-round steal in Mondon—a player capable of stepping in for a starter when needed and with the upside to develop into a cornerstone of the defense. As training camp progresses, all eyes will be on this rising star to see if he can translate his early promise into a significant role for the 2025 season.