The 2023 NFL Combine kicks off this week from Lucas Oil Field in Indianapolis. 12 Georgia Bulldogs will take part to showcase their skills in preparation for the NFL draft in April. Only Alabama has more invites with 13. Georgia broke the record last year by having 15 players drafted. To prepare you for the 2023 NFL Combine this will be the first of a two-part series highlighting each of the 12 participants. Part 1 will focus on the offense and Part 2 will drop early next week to look at the defensive participants. Let’s take a look at the 2023 NFL Combine participants on offense.
2023 NFL Combine Preview: Georgia Bulldog’s Offense
Stetson Bennett – Quarterback
“Good (not elite) arm strength and can make most the NFL throws with effortless intermediate passes. Sees the field very well when the play breaks down and has the quick-thinking and football IQ to change plays at the line.” –NFL Draft Buzz
Stetson Bennett will forever be a legend for Georgia football fans. The walk-on broke Georiga’s 41-year championship drought to lead them to back-to-back championships. No matter how often he was doubted or how others looked to replace him, the Mailman delivered. While he lacks ideal size and arm strength, Bennett projects as a mid-round pick and career backup in the NFL.
Bennet needs a strong combine to showcase his intangible skills to teams. He will also need to answer some tough questions surrounding a pubic intoxication arrest in late January. The arrest added one more question to a quarterback that needed to try to alleviate as many as possible heading into the draft process.
Darnell Washington – Tight End
“Aa massive player with elite height, frame density, and length. His sheer frame size allows him to absorb and withstand contact as a pass catcher and outmatch opponents in all phases.” –Pro Football Network
Darnell Washington was the second part of Georgia’s dynamic tight-end duo this season. Washington’s measurables, 6’7″ and 265 lbs, will make teams salivate. Washington set himself apart this year in the blocking and passing game. His size helped to set the edge for Georgia’s running game. Washington was also equally devastating in the passing game, especially on 3rd downs and in the red zone.
Washington projects as a Day 2 pick. It will be interesting to see how teams use him at the next level. Some analysts have wondered if they add additional size and put him at tackle. In an era of pass-first tight ends, Washington is a throwback and should find his place in the NFL.
Kenny McIntosh – Running Back
“He’s patient, letting blocks develop then accelerating, runs with a good forward lean, and consistently falls forward. He’s a natural pass catcher, at his best pulling in swing passes and heading upfield. His hands are good enough that he can line up in the slot.” –NFL Draft Buzz
Kenny McIntosh was Georgia’s top running back in 2022. McIntosh showcased his ability as both a runner and a pass catcher. These are two skills that the NFL are looking for in their running backs. Gone are the days of giving guys the rock 20-25 times a game. McIntosh projects as a Day 2 pick but should provide high value to the team that selects him.
Broderick Jones – Offensive Tackle
“Excellent combination of natural leverage and elite proportional length. He’s also a phenomenal athlete within that frame and brings an abundance of desirable physical qualities. Jones gets upfield with very little delay, and he gets good depth on his kick in pass protection.” –Pro Football Network
Broderick Jones was a Redshirt Sophomore in 2022 but earned First-Team All-SEC honors as the starting left tackle. Jones projects to be selected in the middle of the first round.
Warren McClendon – Offensive Tackle
“Plays with natural leverage and has the strength to anchor against the bull rush. McClendon packs a violent initial punch that can stand up pass rushers. Shows excellent awareness against twists and stunts, and he has the strong, flexible core and a wide base to catch and handle moving defenders.” –NFL Draft Buzz
Warren McClendon will likely be Georgia’s highest-selected offensive player in April. The right tackle was a three-year starter for Georgia. McClendon was involved in the January car crash that resulted in the death of his teammate Devin Willock and Chandler LeCroy, a Georgia recruiting staffer. McClendon has been open with the media and teams about the incident.
Kearis Jackson – Wide Receiver
“Jackson also proved to be a force in catch-and-run situations. A violent runner who transitions upfield quickly after the catch, Jackson has the speed to pick up chunks of yardage once he’s broken the first tackle.’ –NFL Draft Buzz
Kearis Jackson played for five seasons at Georgia. His best season was in 2020 when he had 36 catches for 514 yards. Jackson also returned kicks for Georgia and averaged 20.9 yards a return in 2022. Jackson most likely will go late in the draft or have to find his spot as an undrafted free agent.
Can Georgia Top The 2022 Numbers?
The offense set the tone in 2022 in their 49-3 win against Oregon in Week 1. Georgia scored on their first seven possessions and didn’t punt until late in the 3rd quarter. They were just getting started. 58, 44, 41, 32. These are not the winning lottery numbers, but some of the margins of victory for Georiga this year. Only two games this season were decided by single digits, Missouri and Ohio State. Georgia defeated their opponents by an average of 26.4 points a game this season, #1 in the nation. The Bulldogs ranked in the Top 5 in yards/per game (501.1) and points per game (41.1). No pressure, Mike Bobo.
