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Which Former Georgia Tech Stars are suiting up in the NFL Playoffs?
USA TODAY Sports

Football season is winding down and that means the NFL playoffs have arrived. 

The Wildcard round begins today with the Texas facing the Browns and then the Chiefs and the Dolphins tonight. There are six total games over the next three days and in less than a month, someone is going to take home the Super Bowl Trophy. 

Much like last year, Georgia Tech has more than a few players in the playoffs. 

1. DB Tre Swilling- Baltimore Ravens (Practice Squad)

Swilling is on the practice squad for the team with the best record in the NFL. He has spent time on a few teams in his career so far, but Baltimore could be a great spot for him. 

Swilling was an instant impact player for Georgia Tech after coming to Atlanta as a four-star recruit. He started in 11 games during his true freshman season and played in every game but one. He had 24 tackles, one sack, and an interception in the 2018 season. Swilling was able to start in every game during the 2019 season and was named an All-ACC honorable mention. He had a career-high 10 pass deflections in 2019 as well.

2. LB Charlie Thomas- Cleveland Brown (Practice Squad)

The Browns face the Texans in the opening game today and former Georgia Tech linebacker Charlie Thomas is on their practice squad. 

Thomas had a fantastic season that resulted in him earning second-team All-ACC from the AP. He finished the 2022 season with over 100 tackles, had two sacks, two pass deflections, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles. He was a constant playmaker for the Yellow Jackets and he is not going to be easy to replace next season.

Thomas was an All-ACC honorable mention in 2021 after having 70 total tackles and a team-high 10 for loss. Thomas also had two interceptions last season. He had been on the field for the Yellow Jackets ever since his freshman season in 2018.

3. G Shaq Mason- Houston Texans

Mason is one of the highest-paid guards in the NFL and for good reason. He has helped make a huge turnaround on the Texans. 

Mason was one of the best offensive linemen in the ACC and the country when he was with the Yellow Jackets under former head coach Paul Johnson. Mason played 11 games as a true freshman in 2011. From 2012 to 2014, he started in 39 of the Yellow Jackets' 41 games, including every game as a junior and senior. Mason was first-team All- ACC in 2013 and 2014 as well as first-team All-American in 2014.

4. K Harrison Butker- Kansas City Chiefs

Butker nailed the winning kick in the Super Bowl last season and he and the Kansas City Chiefs are hoping for a repeat championship this season. Butker is 33-35 on field goal kicking this season, including 5-5 from 50+ yards. 

5. P Pressley Harvin- Pittsburgh Steelers

Harvin has been one of the best punters in the NFL and he will have to punt in some tough weather on Monday vs the Bills. This season, Harvin averaged 43.8 yards per punt, with a long of 63 yards. 

6. S Juanyeh Thomas- Dallas Cowboys

Juanyeh Thomas has had a great journey to the NFL and he has made the most of his opportunity with the Dallas Cowboys. Thomas has become a fixture in the secondary of one of the NFL's top defenses and the Cowboys begin their playoff journey tomorrow vs the Packers. Thomas totaled 22 tackles this season and four pass deflections. 

7. TE Tyler Davis- Green Bay Packers (Injured/ Reserve)

Davis has been banged up this season and has not been able to contribute to the Packer's playoff push. Hopefully, Davis can return to full strength next year. 

8. RB Jordan Mason- San Frnacisco 49ers

Mason and the 49ers have a bye week in the wildcard round, but they look poised to make a big run this year in the playoffs. Mason has carried the ball 40 times for 206 yards and three touchdowns. 

Mason was an instant contributor from the time he stepped foot on campus back in 2018 for Georgia Tech. On just 108 carries in 2018, Mason totaled 659 yards and had seven touchdowns, while averaging 6.1 yards per carry. Mason had his career-best year in 2019, Geoff Collin's first year in Atlanta. He totaled 172 carries for nearly 900 yards and seven touchdowns. His yards per carry dropped, but Mason was the most effective player on the Georgia Tech offense.

media for the latest news on Georgia Tech Athletics!

This article first appeared on FanNation All Yellow Jackets and was syndicated with permission.

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