ESPN's Mel Kiper: Georgia Bulldogs DL Jalen Carter Could "Be the No. 1 Overall Pick"
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ATHENS - Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman Jalen Carter is projected to be a top-five pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
That’s according to longtime NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper, Jr, who released his top 25 NFL prospects on Tuesday.
“Georgia had five defenders picked in Round 1 in April, and Carter was arguably more disruptive than all of them last season. He's explosive at the snap and finishes well around the ball, even though he didn't put up huge numbers (8.5 tackles for loss). He has a big frame and can play as a 3-technique tackle. He will be in the mix to be the No. 1 overall pick,” Kiper wrote.
Carter’s teammate Travon Walker went No. 1 overall to the Jags in what was a record draft for the Bulldogs - 15 players taken overall by various NFL teams.
Kelee Ringo, who made the play of the game in the Dawgs’ 33-18 win over No. 1 Alabama to win the 2021 College Football Playoff National Championship Game, was listed by Kiper as the No. 21 overall prospect entering the season.
“You might know Ringo from his national title-clinching pick-six against Alabama in January, and he is just scratching the surface of how good he can be. If you were designing the perfect NFL cornerback, he'd have Ringo's speed, size and arm length. He has every tool to be a top-10 pick, but he needs to be more consistent this season and not just show a few flashes of brilliance,” Kiper wrote.
Arik Gilbert was not listed in the overall top 25, but was listed by Kiper as the No. 1 H-Back heading into the fall. Darnell Washington, who is listed as a tight end, is at No. 9 for that position. Meanwhile Broderick Jones is listed as the No. 4 overall offensive tackle. Jones will likely start at left tackle for the Bulldogs in 2022. Sedrick Van Pran, who has been a rock at center for the Dawgs, is listed as the No. 3 overall center heading into the 2023 NFL Draft.
Nolan Smith is considered the No. 5 outside linebacker with Robert Beal at No. 9. Tykee Smith, who has not played for the Bulldogs yet is at No. 10 for all safeties. Former walk-on kicker Jack Podlesny is listed as the No. 9 kicker for 2023.