Georgia Football: Dawgs hit double digits for second in program history in NFL Draft

Just over two weeks away from the start of the 2023 NFL Draft, Sporting News released their full seven-round projection for what is going to happen in Kansas City. Of course it’s not going to be 100% accurate, but Kirby Smart and the rest of the Georgia Football program hope it’s pretty spot on with 11 of the 13 available Bulldogs being picked.

Rounds 1 and 2

Jalen Carter – No. 5 (Seattle Seahawks)

Jalen Carter is one of the most talented players in the draft, and if it wasn’t for some hiccups off the field recently, he might be taken No. 1 overall. Still, the Georgia defensive lineman is likely to hear his name called early on draft night after three successful seasons in Athens.

Sporting News says: “The Seahawks have a history of taking calculated draft risks under Pete Carroll and John Schneider. They will feel comfortable with Carter despite the off-field concern that developed at the Combine and the underwhelming pro day. Focusing on his tape at Georgia, Carter can be a dominant disruptor who fills a big need to help newcomer Dre’Mont Jones in Seattle’s three-man front.”

Broderick Jones – No. 17 (Pittsburgh Steelers)

Broderick Jones isn’t the most polished product of the available offensive tackles, but he’s as athletic as they come, and according to some, “an offensive line coach’s dream.” Jones started all 15 games and made the transition from Jamaree Salyer at left tackle an afterthought. He should do just the same in the NFL.

Sporting News says: “Jones has outstanding speed and quickness with the agility work to cement his status and no lesser than the third tackle on the board behind Skoronski and Johnson. He’s a no-brainer piece for the Steelers as a massive upgrade in pass protection for 2022 first-round QB Kenny Pickett.”

Kelee Ringo – No. 24 (Jacksonville Jaguars)

Kelee Ringo is one of the biggest enigmas in the NFL Draft. He has the combination of size and speed that’s rare at cornerback. He has used that to his benefit at times, but also he has some film that makes you wonder what’s up. On the younger side of the draft class, potential is certainly in Ringo’s favor.

Sporting News says: “The Jaguars need to upgrade their coverage after moving on from Shaquill Griffin opposite Tyson Campbell and Darious Williams not living up to expectations. Ringo provides nice size and athleticism along with physicality to help them being more aggressive to make more plays on the ball.”

Nolan Smith – No. 29 (New Orleans Saints)

Nolan Smith dominated the NFL Combine in Indianapolis during the draft process. He’s killed interviews too, making him a sure-fire first round pick it seems. Smith was the nation’s No. 1 recruit coming out of high school and displayed his ability when on the field in Athens. Despite being smaller for an edge rusher, the sky is the limit for what he’s capable of.

Sporting News says: “The Saints brought back future Hall of Famer Cameron Jordan but in recent offseasons have lost Trey Hendrickson and Marcus Davenport in free agency. Smith is a freak producer who will have high upside as a situational producer at first before settling into a regular role at end for defensive-minded Dennis Allen.”

Darnell Washington – No. 41 (Tennessee Titans)

From a prospect that’s smaller at their position to one that’s freakishly large. Darnell Washington had the best season of his career in 2022, passing combined totals from the two previous seasons in just one year. At 6-foot-7, 270+ pounds, he is dominant in the run game. He’s also shown flashes of what he can do as a receiver. Washington’s skillset is one made for success in the NFL.

Sporting News says: “The Titans have a promising athlete at the position in Chigoziem Okonkwo, but they are thin otherwise and like adding Johnston to Burks in the first round, this would be part of rebooting of playmakers for whoever ends up being their new long-term quarterback. Washington can help at first as a tough inline run blocker before putting it together as a receiver.”

Christopher Smith – No. 58 (Dallas Cowboys)

Christopher Smith in the second round is a bit higher than most project him, but it’s not out of the realm of possibility. Smith was an unanimous All-American this past season at safety, just one of 13 regardless of position in Georgia program history. He’s capable of playing multiple positions in the secondary, and that versatility should help him easily translate to the next level.

Sporting News says: “Smith is a nickelback/safety hybrid with his smart, rangy playmaking in coverage. He can boost the Cowboys’ slot coverage between Trevon Diggs and newcomer Stephon Gilmore.”

Round 3 or later

Warren McClendon – No. 165 (New Orleans Saints)

Stetson Bennett – No. 171 (Los Angeles Rams)

Kenny McIntosh – No. 192 (New England Patriots)

Robert Beal – No. 252 (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

Jack Podlesny – No. 256 (Green Bay Packers)

The draft isn’t over after just two rounds. In fact, Round 3 still has top-100 picks included! According to Sporting News, there might not be any Georgia players hearing their name called during the third round, but the third day of the draft (Rounds 4-7) could be busy. McClendon served as Georgia’s primary starter at right tackle each of the last three seasons while McIntosh grew into a big role in the Bulldog backfield. Stetson Bennett’s story has been told plenty of times, but in case you didn’t know, his 2022 season saw Georgia’s first 4,000-yard passer. Meanwhile on defense, Robert Beal led Georgia in sacks during the 2021 season – a somewhat forgotten stat on that incredibly talented defense – while placekicker Jack Podlesny made his mark with plenty of big kicks over the last three years replacing Rodrigo Blankenship.