Three Georgia Bulldogs, according to an NFL draft expert, are being “slept on.”

Three Georgia Bulldogs, According to an NFL Draft Expert, Are Being “Slept On”

As the NFL Draft approaches, the buzz around top prospects has never been louder. The 2025 NFL Draft is expected to be filled with future stars, with the Georgia Bulldogs football program once again sending a talented crop of players to the next level. While some Bulldogs have garnered the spotlight for their incredible performances in college, there are a few players from Georgia who are, according to NFL draft experts, being “slept on” or overlooked by many scouts and analysts.

These overlooked players—despite their exceptional skills, work ethic, and potential—have not received the same level of attention as their more high-profile teammates. The fact that some Georgia players are not being talked about as much as they should be could actually work in their favor, as teams might overlook them and give them an opportunity to shine.

The Georgia Bulldogs are widely regarded as one of the top programs in the nation, regularly producing elite talent for the NFL. With that in mind, three specific players stand out as examples of those who are, according to draft analysts, “slept on.” These players may not have the same level of media hype as others in the draft class, but they possess the talent and skill sets that could make them major contributors at the next level.

1. Christopher Smith, Safety

When it comes to Georgia’s defense, the names that often dominate headlines are players like Jalen Carter, Nolan Smith, and Kelee Ringo. However, Christopher Smith—Georgia’s standout safety—has quietly become one of the most important pieces of their defensive unit. Smith is often overshadowed by the defensive line and cornerback talent at Georgia, but he is a dynamic playmaker with a great deal of untapped potential.

At 5’11” and 190 pounds, Smith’s size may not stand out as much as some of the more physically imposing players in the draft, but what he lacks in sheer size, he makes up for with intelligence, versatility, and leadership. A two-time captain for the Bulldogs, Smith was the quarterback of the secondary, often responsible for calling the coverage and reading the opposing offense. He has a rare combination of vision, anticipation, and ball skills that make him an excellent safety, able to read the quarterback’s eyes and break on the ball with precision.

Smith’s football IQ is through the roof. He consistently showed the ability to read opposing offenses and make split-second decisions, often forcing turnovers or deflecting passes in crucial moments. This season, he had multiple key interceptions that helped Georgia seal important victories on their way to a national championship. His ability to be in the right place at the right time, coupled with his ball-hawking mentality, makes him a dangerous player for any offense to face.

Despite his impressive résumé, Smith’s name hasn’t received the attention it deserves in a loaded draft class. The spotlight has often been on Georgia’s defensive front seven, with players like Carter and Smith earning a lot of the media attention. However, Smith’s skill set and leadership in the back end of the defense make him a future starting safety at the next level. He may not be as flashy as other prospects, but his ability to contribute immediately could make him one of the draft’s hidden gems.

NFL draft experts have cited that Smith is being “slept on” because he doesn’t have the same physical traits that other safeties in the class possess. Some question his ability to cover bigger receivers or tight ends, but Smith’s instincts, versatility, and work ethic should make him a strong asset in any defensive scheme. Whether it’s as a deep safety, a box safety, or in a nickel cornerback role, Smith has the tools to succeed. He is a player who will thrive in the NFL, and as teams continue to focus on the more well-known prospects, Smith will continue to make a name for himself.

2. Kenny McIntosh, Running Back

In a running back class that features high-profile names such as Bijan Robinson from Texas and Jahmyr Gibbs from Alabama, Kenny McIntosh of Georgia has not been receiving the national media attention he deserves. McIntosh, a versatile and dynamic back, has been a staple of Georgia’s offense for the last few seasons, and his ability to impact the game in multiple ways should make him one of the top running backs in the 2025 draft class.

At 6’1″ and 210 pounds, McIntosh is a perfect blend of size, speed, and agility. He has the ability to run between the tackles with power, but he’s also a dangerous weapon in the passing game. Over his career at Georgia, McIntosh displayed a strong ability to catch passes out of the backfield, making him an ideal three-down back in the NFL. His hands and route running were an asset to Georgia’s offense, where he often served as a safety valve for the quarterback.

McIntosh’s vision and patience as a runner are some of his strongest attributes. He has a knack for finding the right running lanes and exploding through them with speed. His ability to set up defenders with subtle movements and his powerful stiff-arm make him a tough player to bring down in the open field. In addition to his running skills, McIntosh has the ability to pick up blitzes and protect the quarterback, which is a critical skill for any running back looking to succeed at the next level.

Despite these impressive qualities, McIntosh hasn’t garnered the attention that some of the other top running back prospects have. Part of this may be due to the wealth of talent at Georgia’s running back position, where McIntosh often shared carries with other talented backs. However, McIntosh has consistently proven that he can handle a feature role in the offense and can be a dynamic contributor in a variety of ways.

NFL experts have pointed out that McIntosh is being “slept on” because he doesn’t have the flashy highlight reels that some other running backs do, but his well-rounded skill set makes him an ideal candidate for an NFL team looking for a dependable, versatile back who can contribute immediately. His combination of size, speed, pass-catching ability, and pass protection make him a great fit for a team looking to bolster its backfield for the future.

3. Warren McClendon, Offensive Tackle

While Georgia’s offensive line has been one of the best in the country in recent years, Warren McClendon has often been overlooked in the conversation about top offensive line prospects. McClendon, who has been a stalwart on the Bulldogs’ line for several seasons, is known for his ability to play both right tackle and guard, providing versatility that is crucial in today’s NFL. Despite his consistent play and high football IQ, McClendon has not received the same attention as some of the other elite tackles in the draft.

Standing at 6’4″ and weighing 310 pounds, McClendon has the prototypical size and athleticism to succeed at the next level. He has quick feet and impressive lateral movement, allowing him to handle speed rushers off the edge and protect the quarterback’s blindside. His ability to anchor against power rushers and stay balanced in pass protection is one of the reasons why he has been such an integral part of Georgia’s offense.

McClendon’s work in both the run and pass game cannot be overstated. He has consistently shown the ability to open up running lanes, providing Georgia’s running backs with opportunities to break off big plays. In pass protection, McClendon is a reliable presence, often keeping quarterbacks clean and giving them the time they need to make plays downfield. He has been a key component of Georgia’s offensive line, which has helped power the team to multiple SEC championships and a national title.

Despite these accomplishments, McClendon’s name has not been mentioned as frequently as other top-tier offensive line prospects. Part of this may be due to the system in which he plays, as Georgia’s offense is built around a strong running game and features a more balanced approach rather than an air-raid offense where tackles are often more exposed. However, McClendon’s skills as a versatile, reliable tackle make him a valuable asset to any NFL team.

NFL scouts have suggested that McClendon is being “slept on” because of his understated style of play, but his consistency, toughness, and ability to contribute in both the running and passing game should make him a priority for teams looking for an offensive lineman who can contribute early in his career. His versatility in both the interior and at tackle gives him the potential to thrive in different schemes, making him a steal for any team looking to fortify its offensive line.