Key departures for the NFL Draft continue to reshape Georgia’s 2026 roster, as defensive back Daylen Everette declared for the draft on Wednesday, announcing his decision in an Instagram post.
“To my teammates – thank you for the work, the battles, the trust, and the brotherhood,” Everett said. “You pushed me every day and helped shape me on and off the field. The memories we made and the bonds we built will last a lifetime.”
A former five-star recruit in the loaded 2022 class that Georgia landed, which also included Malaki Starks, Mykel Williams, Jalon Walker, Oscar Delp, Gunner Stockton and Dillon Bell, Everette closed his collegiate career with 149 total tackles, 17 pass deflections, two forced fumbles and five interceptions over four seasons.
His most notable performance came in the 2024 SEC Championship, when he intercepted then-Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers twice and earned MVP honors. Everette picked off Ewers on the opening drive, setting the tone as the Bulldogs went on to beat Texas in overtime 22-19 to secure their first of back-to-back conference titles.
Everette’s departure marks a key loss for Georgia’s secondary, a unit that now needs reinforcements. Defensive backs Joenel Aguero, Ondre Evans, Daniel Harris and Jaden Harris all entered the transfer portal earlier this week, further thinning the group. A player such as Ellis Robinson IV, who stepped up in a significant way this season, is expected to take on a larger role as Georgia will look to replace Everette’s production and leadership heading into the season.