Georgia Tech
Georgia Tech

Here’s where Georgia Tech football players have landed after the NFL draft

Two Yellow Jackets were selected while several others have found opportunities to move on to the NFL.
Georgia Tech wide receiver Malik Rutherford (8) carries the ball into the end zone for a touchdown against Virginia Tech during the first half of the game Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025 at Georgia Tech’s Bobby Dodd Stadium in Atlanta. (Daniel Varnado for the AJC)

Credit: Daniel Varnado/For the Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Credit: Daniel Varnado/For the Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Georgia Tech wide receiver Malik Rutherford (8) carries the ball into the end zone for a touchdown against Virginia Tech during the first half of the game Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025 at Georgia Tech’s Bobby Dodd Stadium in Atlanta. (Daniel Varnado for the AJC)
By
April 27, 2026

Georgia Tech had two players selected in the 2026 NFL draft: offensive lineman Keylan Rutledge in the first round at No. 26 by the Houston Texans, and defensive tackle Jordan van den Berg in the sixth round at No. 213 overall by the Chicago Bears.

But several Yellow Jackets will get an opportunity to play at the next level, including former quarterback Haynes King, who signed with the Carolina Panthers as an undrafted free agent, with the deal reportedly including $250,000 in guaranteed money.

ExploreGeorgia Tech says Alberto Mendoza is expected starting quarterback

These Yellow Jackets have signed with teams as undrafted free agents:

  • Wide receiver Eric Rivers, Buccaneers
  • Defensive back Jy Gilmore, Buccaneers
  • Wide receiver Malik Rutherford, Falcons
  • Cornerback Ahmari Harvey, Broncos
  • Running back Jamal Haynes, Bengals
  • Cornerback Rodney Shelley, Chargers

These Yellow Jackets have been invited to rookie minicamps:

  • Defensive back Clayton Powell-Lee, Falcons
  • Tight end Josh Beetham, Bills
  • Tight end J.T. Byrne, Falcons and Eagles
  • Wide receiver Dean Patterson, Buccaneers

About the Author

Sarah Spencer, a Georgia native and UGA alum, serves as a general assignment and features writer for sports. She previously covered the Hawks from 2019-22.

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