ESPN’s Matt Miller released a list of all players with first-round 2023 NFL draft grades along with comparisons to pro players.
Two Georgia Bulldogs made the list.
All-American defensive tackle Jalen Carter is listed as the No. 3 pick in the draft and is compared to Fletcher Cox, who is a four-time All-Pro selection and six-time Pro Bowl selection.
“The 2021 Georgia defense had five players selected in the first round of the 2022 draft, and Carter (not eligible in that draft) might have actually been the best defender on the team. At 6-3 and 310 pounds, he has great first-step quickness and a powerful frame that can split double teams. Carter battled ankle and knee injuries this season and platooned on a deep Georgia defense last year, but he still accumulated six sacks and 16.5 tackles for loss over the past two seasons.”
First-team All-SEC left tackle Broderick Jones is listed as the No. 16 pick in the draft and is compared to Dion Dawkins, a 2021 Pro Bowl selection.
“A former five-star recruit, Jones emerged in his first year as a starter and became one of the nation’s best left tackles. He has a level of toughness and strength to his game that’s hard to find, but he also shows the recovery agility and balance to compete with speedy outside pass-rushers. His game is raw given limited reps (19 starts), but his upside is through the roof. At 6-4 and 315 pounds, there might be arm length questions, but his tape is Round 1-caliber. Jones allowed zero sacks this season for Georgia.”
UGA tight end Darnell Washington may also have a chance at being selected in the first-round. The 6-foot-7, 260-pound prospect is rated the No. 2 tight end by ESPN’s Jordan Reid and Matt Miller and the No. 3 tight end by ESPN’s Todd McShay.
All-SEC second-team cornerback Kelee Ringo is one of the top corners in the draft. The former five-star recruit is rated the No. 3 corner by McShay and Reid, and the No. 4 corner by Miller.
Georgia set an NFL draft record last year with 15 players selected, including five in the first round.
The draft will be held on April 27-29 in Kansas City.
