2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Kelee Ringo (CB – Georgia)

As the NFL season winds down, FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL draft scouting reports before the combine in March. Here’s a look at Kelee Ringo.

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2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Kelee Ringo (CB – Georgia)

Kelee Ringo (CB – Georgia)

6’2” – 205 lbs.

Background:

Five-star recruit who also played running back and ran track in high school. Redshirted with a labrum injury in 2020, then stepped into a starting role the following year, totaling 797 snaps and allowing just 24/59 targets to be completed (40.7%) for 346 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions. Also broke up four passes. Didn’t quite take the next step in 2022, allowing 42/78 targets to be completed for 552 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions, breaking up five passes.

Positives:

Two-year starter for one of college football’s top programs. Has an ideal combination of size and length for the position. Takes snaps on both sides of the field (typically on the short side) and even occasionally from the slot. Coverage responsibilities were a mix of zone, press-man, and shuffle. Rarely backpedals but has adequate balance when doing so; not too much gather when transitioning to driving on a spot. Consistent and technically-sound beyond his years. Jams effectively at the line. Has a patient approach to the position which allows him to stick with his man on double-moves. Uses his hands well to feel routes developing. Squeezes routes at the stem. Able to use his length to pin on outside releases. Fast enough to stick with opponents down the field or even on shallow crosses. Handles smaller, quicker receivers well in man coverage. Generally processes route combinations well from zone. Nice discipline to contain in the run game; maintains outside positioning to funnel. Attacks blocks with aggression. Willing to stick his nose in and get physical with ballcarriers. Wraps up receivers quickly to limit yards after the catch.

Negatives:

Elite track speed doesn’t always carry over fully onto the field. Recovery speed is solid but not elite. Patient approach limits big plays but creates some windows for timing-based throws underneath. Sometimes creeps up a little too close to the line when playing in zone, and can be pulled up by some route combinations or play-fakes. Physicality is a little bit of a double-edged sword at times; gets grabby at the stem and can be somewhat penalty-prone, with twelve career flags, including nine this past season.

Summary:

Despite being just a redshirt sophomore, has a polished approach to the game, and his excellent combination of size, length, physicality, and twitch could make him a number-one cornerback at the next level, particularly in a scheme which calls for a lot of press-man and especially because he’s shown the ability to handle not just bigger, stronger receivers but also smaller, quicker opponents. A good bet to be one of the first cornerbacks off the board on draft day, if not the first.

Projection: Round 1