2023 mock NFL Draft: 49ers watch NFC get significantly stronger
26. player. 814. . Cornerback . Bulldogs . Kelee Ringo
2023 NFL Draft, Pick No. 26: Dallas Cowboys – Kelee Ringo, Cornerback, Georgia
The Dallas Cowboys have one-half of their cornerback duo of the future in Trevon Diggs, but he desperately needs an upgrade next to him if the Cowboys are going to stop being cannon fodder in the playoffs and step up as a legitimate Super Bowl threat.
Kelee Ringo is a cornerback with excellent physical abilities who could go a lot earlier than this. He has excellent size at 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds, and he has exceptional speed with good strength for the next level.
In 2022, Ringo recorded two interceptions and seven passes defended for Georgia as the team won a second consecutive national championship. For the NFL, Ringo is a natural press corner, using his strength to jam receivers and his speed to run with them.
Ringo would be a lot higher as a prospect, but he does have some serious issues at the next level. He’s very scheme specific and isn’t suited to a zone-based system. While he is fast, he does play a bit stiff in the hips and can struggle with changes of direction that can be exploited in zone coverage.
In the NFL, whoever drafts Ringo will need to make sure they play him to his strengths and don’t have him matched up in zone or against shiftier receivers too much.
If they do play him correctly, however, Ringo can be a strong cornerback in the NFL.