The CFP National Championship Game saw Georgia absolutely dismantle TCU, 65-7. The Georgia defense was a big part of that destruction. Today, I will look at how the top 2023 NFL Draft prospects on defense performed in the game.
For notes from the offensive side of the ball, Shane P Hallam has you covered HERE!
CFP NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP: PROSPECT REWIND (DEFENSE)
GEORGIA BULLDOGS
If you are talking about the Georgia defense, the conversation must start with DL Jalen Carter. Carter is an athletic specimen (6’3” 310) and a disruptive defender. He isn’t going to flash in the stat sheets and he doesn’t have to. Carter is a presumptive top-5 selection in the 2023 NFL Draft. Against TCU, he had two solo tackles.
Another likely first-round selection is CB Kelee Ringo. Ringo looked lost at times against Ohio State’s WR group in the Peach Bowl. He didn’t have near that level of trouble against the Horned Frogs. Ringo recorded one tackle in the CG.
Edge rusher Robert Beal, Jr doesn’t get the pub his more heralded teammates receive, but he will make an NFL rotation next year. Beal was one of five Bulldogs to sack TCU QB Max Duggan in the blowout win. He will play in the Shrine Bowl in a few weeks.
Whether at nickel or safety, Christopher Smith II is going to have a chance to start as a rookie. Smith is a great tackler and has good ball skills. He finished the game with three solo stops and a forced fumble. Smith will next suit up in the Senior Bowl.
TCU HORNED FROGS
After a four-sack performance against Michigan, all eyes were on Dylan Horton. Unfortunately, he could not repeat that success against the stout Georgia O-Line. I still believe that Horton has played his way into a Top-100 selection. Against Georgia, he notched four tackles (two solos) and a tackle-for-loss.
TCU corner Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson had difficulties on Monday night. He had several breakdowns in coverage. THT will likely be an early day-three selection where he can make an impact as a nickel early on. He finished the NCG with five tackles and a PBU.