Should the Jacksonville Jaguars look to add Kelee Ringo in the 2023 NFL Draft?
By Quinn Butler
The Jacksonville Jaguars are heading into the 2023 NFL Draft needing to reload their roster. One position that the team's brass could upgrade is cornerback, and there might not be many prospects who could make a bigger impact than Georgia's Kelee Ringo.
Ringo is widely considered to be one of the top cornerback prospects in the 2023 class. At 6'2" and 205 pounds, the cornerback is a versatile athlete with an intriguing combination of size, speed, and athleticism. The former Bulldog is a natural cover corner with excellent instincts, the ability to play man and zone coverage, and the speed to keep up with even the fastest receivers.
For the Jaguars, Ringo could join a group that could use a boost. The team struggled against the pass in 2022, and Ringo has the potential to be a lockdown corner who can take away the opposing team's top receiver. His versatility would allow defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell to use him in a variety of ways.
In his two seasons at Georgia, Ringo emerged as one of the top cornerbacks in the country. As a freshman in 2021, he played in 11 games and recorded 20 tackles, two interceptions, and four passes defensed. He followed that up with a strong sophomore campaign, recording 27 tackles, one interception, and six pass deflections in just eight games.
Ringo's talent and track record at the collegiate level have made him a highly sought-after prospect, and several NFL teams are likely interested in drafting him. However, the Jaguars have a unique opportunity to draft him and add him to a young and talented defense that already includes players like Josh Allen, K'Lavon Chaisson, and C.J. Henderson.
If the Jaguars were to draft Ringo, they would be getting a prospect that has the potential to contribute right off the bat in his rookie season. Ringo is a natural cover corner with excellent instincts, the ability to play man and zone coverage, and the speed to keep up with even the fastest receivers. He's also a willing tackler who can help stop the run and make plays in the backfield.
Having said that, Ringo comes with a few flags that the Jaguars must take into consideration. One issue is his lack of experience, as he only played two seasons at the college level. Despite these concerns, Ringo's potential as a cornerback makes him an enticing option to keep an eye on in Round 1. With a pair of talented corners in Tyson Campbell and Darious Williams already in place, adding a player like Ringo could turn their secondary into a strength next season.
Even though the Jacksonville Jaguars must take care of several needs in the draft, there are different routes they can take. But in the first round, they'll be in a position to take one of the top cornerback prospects. If that's the path they choose, they should strongly consider going with Ringo.