Philadelphia Eagles sign fourth-round draft pick Kelee Ringo

The Philadelphia Eagles signed fourth-round pick and former Georgia standout Kelee Ringo to his rookie contract, according to a release from the team.

Ringo is yet another former Georgia defender drafted by the Eagles. Philadelphia selected Jalen Carter and Nolan Smith in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

Not only that, they selected defensive tackle Jordan Davis in the 2022 first round and linebacker Nakobe Dean later in the draft.

Over the course of two seasons at Georgia, after not playing in 2020, Ringo finished with 76 total tackles, 63 solo tackles, three tackles for loss, one sack, four interceptions, 15 pass deflections, one forced fumble and one defensive touchdown.

As a member of the Class of 2020, Ringo was a five-star recruit out of Scottsdale (Ari.) Saguaro, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 1 overall prospect in the state, the No. 1 cornerback in the class and the No. 4 overall prospect in the class.

“Man I’m super excited,” Ringo said in a virtual meeting with reporters soon after he was picked. “Just to have the opportunity to go to the Eagles overall, but man, it definitely makes it better with my past teammates at the University of Georgia. Definitely our bonds will continue to grow like no other.”

Ringo mentioned how it would definitely be different if he weren’t reunited with teammates. 

“Of course it would definitely be there even if we were on different teams but just being in the same building as those guys and just to be able to learn the ropes from guys there like Jordan Davis and Nakobe (Dean) and me, Jalen, and Nolan will walk in there to open arms from the entire community and the staff,” Ringo said. “Honestly just feel like it’s a great situation to be coming into as a rookie.”

Ringo should compete for solid playing time as a rookie. Currently, the Eagles have Darius Slay and James Bradberry as their starting cornerbacks.

Avonte Maddox, when healthy, should be in there as the starting nickel back, based on what Philadelphia does with its scheme. But Ringo has plenty of potential as a rookie and was one of two defensive backs drafted by the Eagles this spring.

They also selected Illinois safety Sydney Brown. But as Ringo mentioned, getting a crack on defense will be there for him and his Georgia teammates.