The Georgia Bulldogs are on a historic NFL draft run. The Dawgs had 10 players selected in the 2023 NFL draft after setting the record for the most players drafted in a seven round draft in 2022.
Eight Georgia rookies made NFL postseason in 2023. NFL draft scouts really value Georgia’s winning culture.
Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter had the most impressive season of any Georgia rookie in the NFL. Carter is in the running to be the NFL’s defensive rookie of the year and immediately showed why he was ranked as one of the top players in the draft.
How did we grade the rookie years of all 10 Georgia Bulldog rookies in the NFL?
Seattle Seahawks running back Kenny McIntosh
Round 7, Pick No. 237
McIntosh played in three games for the Seattle Seahawks late in the 2023 NFL season. He did not have a rushing attempt or reception. McIntosh battled a knee and thumb injury.
Grade: Incomplete
McIntosh got a chance to learn a lot as a rookie, but did not see many snaps and needs to be healthy in 2024 to maintain a roster spot and/or to earn more playing time.
Los Angles Rams offensive tackle Warren McClendon
Round 5, Pick No. 174
Warren McClendon played in six games including 32 offensive snaps as the Los Angles Rams went 10-7 and made the playoffs. McClendon is currently Los Angeles’ second-string right tackle.
Grade: C+
McClendon provided depth for the Rams, but did not see a large role for Los Angeles, which is to be expected out of a fifth round pick.
San Francisco 49ers edge rusher Robert Beal
Round 5, Pick No. 173
Robert Beal saw action in four games in 2023. Beal recorded five tackles and a sack as a rookie. He saw most of his action late in the season. The 49ers have one of the best defenses in the NFL.
Grade: B
Beal’s end of the season should inspire some confidence in the former Georgia Bulldog. Beal has the physical tools to excel in the NFL.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Christopher Smith
Round 5, Pick No. 170
Christopher Smith played in 12 games as a rookie for the Las Vegas Raiders. Smith recorded one tackle as he primarily played in a special teams role (he played in 61% of the Raiders’ special teams snaps). Smith will look to work his way of Las Vegas’ depth chart in 2024.
Grade: B-
Smith could have a chance to compete for a starting safety role next season. He was a key special teams contributor as a rookie, which is about what you’d expect out of a fifth round pick.
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Stetson Bennett
Round 4, Pick No. 128
After seeing significant action in the preseason, Los Angeles Rams quarterback Stetson Bennett was placed on the non-football related injury reserve list. Bennett did not play in any regular season games for the Rams and has an uncertain future with the team in 2024.
Grade: Incomplete
Stetson Bennett missed a golden opportunity in 2023. He could have gotten some experience (Matthew Stafford missed a pair of starts) and a lot of knowledge if he stayed with the Rams in 2023. Bennett will enter the 2024 season essentially as a rookie with minimal NFL experience from his first year in the league.
Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Kelee Ringo
Kelee Ringo calls game on Christmas! #NYGvsPHI pic.twitter.com/agO8dvwBnJ
— NFL (@NFL) December 26, 2023
Round 4, Pick No. 105
Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Kelee Ringo played in all 17 games, including four starts, in 2023. Ringo finished the year with 21 total tackles, one interception, and one sack. He saw a larger role as the season went on and had a clutch interception on Christmas Day.
Grade: B+
Ringo dropped surprisingly far in the NFL draft. The Eagles got a steal picking Ringo in the fourth round. He earned some valuable playing time as a rookie, but the Eagles’ pass defense was very disappointing in 2023.
Pittburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington
Round 3, Pick No. 93
Darnell Washington played in 17 games and started seven games in 2023. Washington played in nearly half (48%) of Pittsburgh’s offensive snaps as the Steelers earned a postseason berth. Washington added a lot of value to Pittsburgh as a blocker, but had modest production (seven receptions for 61 yards) as a pass catcher.
Grade: B
Washington had a solid rookie season where he showed prowess as a blocker. His production as a receiver was a little disappointing. The rookie should continue to develop as a pass catcher. Washington had a pair of false starts in Pittsburgh’s wild-card game.
Philadelphia Eagles edge rusher Nolan Smith
Round 1, Pick No. 30
Eagles edge rusher Nolan Smith ramped up his production toward the end of the season. Smith recorded 22 total tackles and 1.5 sacks as a rookie. 13 of Smith’s 22 tackles came over the final five games of the season. Smith played in all 17 games of the season including 16% of defensive snaps.
Grade: B-
Smith nearly had an incomplete grade for us. He flashed last in the season and should have a larger role in 2024. Smith did not produce as much as most first round picks are expected to, but he entered a unique situation as the Eagles did not need much help at edge rusher.
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Broderick Jones
Round 1, Pick No. 14
Broderick Jones played in 17 games including 11 starts as a rookie for Pittsburgh. According to Pro Football Focus, Jones allowed four sacks. He played in 72% of Pittsburgh’s offensive snaps.
Grade: B
Jones had some growing pains as a rookie. He still looks like Pittsburgh’s offensive tackle of the future and has a bright career ahead of him.
Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter
Round 1, Pick No. 9
Jalen Carter is one of the favorites to win the award for the NFL defensive rookie of the year. Carter helped Philadelphia make the playoffs, but the Eagles had a disappointing first-round exit. Carter finished 2023 with 33 tackles and six sacks.
Grade: A
Jalen Carter put together an excellent season for Philadelphia and already looks like one of the best defensive tackles in the NFL.
