NFL draft expert believes three Georgia Bulldogs are being “slept on,” suggesting they deserve more attention for their talent.

The 2024 NFL Draft is shaping up to be a highly competitive one, with elite prospects from across the country vying for attention. Among the schools making waves in the draft conversation is the University of Georgia, a program that has established itself as one of the dominant forces in college football. Over the past few years, Georgia has consistently produced top-tier talent, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Yet, according to an NFL draft expert, there are a few Bulldogs who may be “slept on” in terms of the attention they are receiving in draft circles.

The NFL draft process can be a tumultuous journey for many athletes. Every year, prospects face scrutiny from scouts, analysts, and coaches who break down their performances and physical traits to determine their draft stock. Despite Georgia’s reputation as a powerhouse that has churned out high-quality players year after year, three Bulldogs are reportedly flying under the radar. These players may not be garnering the same level of recognition as their counterparts, but they are viewed by experts as prime candidates to make an impact at the next level.

Georgia Bulldogs’ Reputation in the NFL Draft

Before diving into the specific players being “slept on,” it’s important to understand the context of Georgia’s success in the NFL draft in recent years. Since Kirby Smart took over as head coach in 2016, the Georgia Bulldogs have transformed into an NFL draft factory. Smart’s ability to recruit top-tier talent and develop players into NFL-caliber athletes has made Georgia one of the premier schools in the country for producing pro prospects.

Georgia’s most recent success in the NFL draft includes the selections of players like Jalen Carter, Nolan Smith, Broderick Jones, and Kelee Ringo, who were all highly regarded as some of the top prospects in their respective drafts. The Bulldogs have solidified themselves as a program capable of producing top picks, especially on the defensive side of the ball, thanks to their elite recruiting and development. These high-profile players have overshadowed some of Georgia’s lesser-known stars, but the draft expert’s belief that three Bulldogs are being “slept on” reveals that some prospects are being overlooked despite possessing the skills to make an impact in the NFL.

The “Slept On” Bulldogs: Who Are They?

According to NFL draft expert Daniel Jeremiah, there are three Georgia Bulldogs in particular who are not receiving the attention they deserve. These players have the potential to surprise scouts and make significant impacts at the next level, but due to the depth of Georgia’s roster and the spotlight on other players, they are flying under the radar. Here’s a breakdown of each player who is considered to be “slept on” by Jeremiah:

1. Christopher Smith – Safety

Christopher Smith, a senior safety for Georgia, is one of the players who has been largely overlooked in the draft process, despite his outstanding career as a Bulldog. Smith has been an integral part of Georgia’s secondary, contributing significantly to their national championship defenses in 2021 and 2022. With his versatility, football IQ, and ball-hawking abilities, Smith has proven to be one of the most reliable defenders on the field.

Smith’s ability to cover ground in the secondary and his leadership qualities have made him a steady presence for Georgia over the years. His physical attributes, including his speed and agility, are also impressive, and he possesses a knack for making plays when it matters most. Despite all of these traits, Smith has yet to receive the same level of attention as other top safety prospects in the 2024 draft class.

Jeremiah believes that Smith’s lack of attention is partially due to the overshadowing presence of Georgia’s other star defensive players, but he points to Smith’s overall skill set as a reason why he could surprise at the next level. Smith has the potential to be a starting safety in the NFL, and his ability to read the game and make key plays could make him a valuable asset to any team in need of a versatile defensive back.

2. Warren McClendon – Offensive Tackle

Warren McClendon is another Georgia Bulldog who is flying under the radar despite being a consistent starter on one of the best offensive lines in the country. McClendon has been a key contributor to Georgia’s success on offense, particularly in their run-heavy scheme. His ability to dominate in the trenches has been a crucial factor in Georgia’s offensive success, yet McClendon is not getting the same level of recognition as some of the other highly touted offensive tackle prospects in the 2024 draft.

Standing at 6’4” and weighing in at over 300 pounds, McClendon has the size and strength to succeed at the next level. His technique, combined with his ability to protect the quarterback and open up lanes in the run game, has made him a valuable asset for Georgia. While he may not have the same explosive athleticism as some of the more highly regarded offensive tackle prospects, McClendon’s consistency and strong fundamentals give him a solid foundation to excel in the NFL.

Jeremiah points out that McClendon’s undervaluation could be due to the presence of other star players on Georgia’s offensive line, but he believes that McClendon’s toughness and experience will translate well to the NFL. With the right coaching, McClendon could develop into a dependable starter on the offensive line for any NFL team in need of a reliable tackle.

3. Kenny McIntosh – Running Back

Kenny McIntosh may not be the first name that comes to mind when thinking of Georgia’s star players, but the senior running back is quietly one of the most complete backs in the 2024 draft class. McIntosh has been a steady contributor in Georgia’s running back rotation, and his ability to perform as both a runner and a receiver out of the backfield has made him an extremely valuable weapon for the Bulldogs. His vision, patience, and burst make him a difficult player to stop, yet he is not receiving the level of attention many believe he deserves.

McIntosh’s versatility as a dual-threat back allows him to fit into multiple offensive schemes in the NFL. He is capable of running between the tackles, but he is also a capable pass-catcher out of the backfield, which is becoming increasingly valuable in today’s pass-heavy NFL offenses. His physicality, combined with his ability to make defenders miss, gives him the potential to contribute as a starting back in the NFL.

Jeremiah notes that McIntosh’s low profile could be attributed to the crowded running back field in the 2024 draft class, which includes some other high-profile prospects. However, he argues that McIntosh’s well-rounded game and ability to contribute in both the running and passing game make him an underappreciated prospect with significant upside at the next level.

The Impact of Being “Slept On”

The idea of being “slept on” is common in the NFL draft world, where players are often overlooked or undervalued despite their skill sets. For these three Georgia Bulldogs, being overlooked can work to their advantage. While they may not be receiving the same level of attention as other prospects, they will have the opportunity to prove themselves at the next level, where their skills can shine.

One of the advantages of being “slept on” is that it allows players to enter the NFL without the weight of overwhelming expectations. McIntosh, McClendon, and Smith will have the chance to come into their respective teams and immediately make an impact without the pressure of being a top pick. For many players, this can lead to a quicker path to success in the NFL, as they can develop at their own pace and adapt to the professional game without being constantly under the microscope.