Scout's analysis: Strengths, weaknesses of Georgia CB Kelee Ringo
Drae Harris played collegiately at California and worked in NFL scouting departments for the Cardinals, Chiefs and Browns. (Go here for all Harris' scouting reports.)
Kelee Ringo is a 6-foot-1 3/4, 207-pound cornerback who completed his redshirt sophomore year at Georgia before making himself eligible for the NFL Draft. In 2022, he earned second-team All-SEC as the Bulldogs won the national title for the second straight season. Ringo is best known for his game-sealing pick-six against Alabama in the 2021 season national title game.
Strengths: Ringo's outstanding redshirt freshman season in 2021 put him on the national radar. He is a superb athlete with explosive straight-line speed and agility. In March, he was timed at 4.36 seconds in the 40-yard dash at the National Scouting Combine.
Ringo shows some physicality in press-man situations and uses his good length to make up for a deficit when he's trailing. On outside releases, he easily opens his hips and runs stride for stride with most receivers. He's strong and physical at the catch point and does well with 50-50 balls in red zone situations.
Weaknesses: Although he's athletic, Ringo has some rigidity in his hips. He isn’t as effective in off-man situations as his athletic profile suggests he could be. This is evident at times in his transition at the top of the route. He's much more efficient when playing from an “open” position.
Ringo, who had four interceptions in 29 games at Georgia, could improve his ball skills, especially locating the pass. His athleticism and hips keep him in phase, but the next step for him is playing with more discipline with his eyes and finishing more plays with his hands on the football.
Conclusion: Ringo has an impressive skill set and athletic profile. Teams will be enamored with the size, length and production against high-level competition. He would be best suited in a zone-dominant scheme in which his athleticism, length and speed would serve him well.
In man situations, his press technique is further along than his off-man technique. However, his ceiling could be high if he goes to a team that has a scheme that aligns with his skill set.
What others say | ESPN's Todd McShay (via On3.com): “Ringo has speed for days, but he still has to work on his recognition skills in coverage."
ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr.: “Ringo looked at times like a potential top-10 pick in 2021 when he was starting as a redshirt freshman for the national champs. He took a step backward last season, however.”
Player comp: Xavier Rhodes, a former star with the Vikings and now a free agent
Round: Second
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