NFL mock draft: Finding a match for 5 Georgia stars

Kelee Ringo is a first-round pick, but his draft range is very much up for debate

Georgia probably has four players going in the first round, but only two are absolute locks. We will get to the other guy in a minute, but there is next to no way defensive back Kelee Ringo makes it to day two. The national championship game hero may have a proclivity for getting a little handsy outside the numbers, but he is arguably the most talented defensive back to play for Kirby Smart.

No doubt about it, the upside and productivity will get him drafted high, but an up-and-down last season at Georgia may have knocked him out of the top 10. For that reason, it would not be shocking to see Ringo come off the board in the mid-20s. Conversely, he could be a top-10 pick, possibly as high as No. 6. It is why how the draft process plays out for him will be so fascinating.

It may take a few years, but Ringo could be a perennial Pro Bowler if he goes to the right situation.

Pittsburgh Steelers have an elite defensive culture and Ringo would thrive there

One team that could be in the mix to draft Ringo would have to be the Pittsburgh Steelers. In the last few years, the Steelers have prioritized taking players on the offensive side of the ball in the first round of the draft, such as running back Najee Harris out of Alabama in 2021 and quarterback Kenny Pickett out of Pitt in 2022. But we all know Steelers football is built on defense excellence.

This is why the Steelers should look at adding Ringo when they are on the clock, should he still be available. Although there is no need to trade up and get him, if he falls to you, grab him. There is a chance he could have one of the best seasons of any rookie in the league if he goes to a first-class organization like the Steelers. Drafting Ringo would be a means for Pittsburgh to remain relevant.

The other reason to not let Ringo drop is he could be playing on another AFC-contending franchise.

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