NFL mock draft: 5 best prospects playing in Georgia vs. TCU
By John Buhler
Broderick Jones could return to Athens, but he projects as a late, first-round pick
As with Darnell Washington, Georgia offensive tackle Broderick Jones’ size and strength should get him drafted very high. Although he has plenty of eligibility remaining, one would think he would be turning pro after the national title bout. This is because Jones projects as one of a few offensive tackles that could be coming off the board in the first round, albeit in the later portion.
While Northwestern’s Peter Skoronski and Ohio State’s Paris Johnson Jr. should be coming off the board inside of the top 16, Jones could be picked by somebody in the early-to-mid-20s. This would mean Jones would be going to a playoff-caliber team and thus, be surrounded by high-quality talent. Playing with great players has brought out the very best in Jones over at Georgia.
If four offensive tackles go inside of the first round, Jones would have to be among that quartet.
Kelee Ringo can leave Athens after his sophomore season already a UGA legend
Though Kelee Ringo will interfere with a pass on occasion, he is already a Georgia legend for his late-game heroics vs. the Alabama Crimson Tide in last year’s national championship. While he could come back to school, some NFL team is going to pick him in the middle part of round one. Ringo could technically crack the top 10, but he is probably not going to fall down to No. 20 either.
Georgia has had a great run of late in the defensive backfield, pretty much ever since Kirby Smart took over at his alma mater. One could argue Ringo might be the most talented defensive back to play for Smart, but he is not in contention to be the first overall player taken in the upcoming draft, like one of his teammates we will get to in a second. It is hard to see Ringo playing at UGA in 2023.
His high upside has always been there, but the ebb-and-flow nature of his game is a bit concerning.