The Georgia Bulldogs football program has a penchant for turning college running backs into NFL stars, a group featuring Herschel Walker, Terrell Davis, Nick Chubb, and D’Andre Swift. Kenny McIntosh is looking to continue that NFL pipeline, but he has some flaws.
The 2022 season was the first for McIntosh in the lead role, having been buried behind James Cook and Zamir White the previous year. With a full workload, McIntosh experienced success on the ground and through the air, showing NFL on-lookers that he could be a two-way running back.
PROFILE
- College: Georgia
- Height: 6’0″
- Weight: 204 lbs.
- Age: 23
- Year: Senior
- Hands: 9″
- Arms: 30.5″
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.62
- Draft Projection: Round 5
STRENGTHS
Pass Catching
McIntosh was utilized heavily in the passing game in his final season with the Bulldogs, catching 43 passes for 505 yards and two TDs. While his work on the ground may still need work, his passing-game chops are quite developed.
The easiest way for a rookie running back to earn playing time in the first place is his impact in the receiving game – and McIntosh can make an impact in that department. Plus, for any PPR leagues out there, McIntosh does add an extra layer of value via his receptions.
Oh, and his route running certainly isn’t half bad, either.
Georgia RB Kenny McIntosh might just be the best receiving back in this year’s class pic.twitter.com/NEk86DyCjy
— Jack Brentnall (@Jack_Brentnall) February 1, 2023
Ceiling/Potential
Not often do you find a running back with a proven track record of running and catching the ball not projected to go in the first three rounds. But in the 2023 NFL Draft, a prospect like McIntosh profiles as a sleeper to become an eventual starter down the road.
McIntosh’s size is definitely working in his favor, as his six-foot frame makes him hard to take down. But entering the league from a program like Georgia significantly affects a player’s development. With McIntosh having held a role in all four years of his collegiate career, he is ready to hit the ground running in the league.
Stetson Bennett’s final career pass Between the Hedges:
— Wes Blankenship (@Wes_nship) November 26, 2022
an 83-yard wheel route to Kenny McIntosh
started slow today, but the mail doesn’t always get delivered when you expect it to during the holiday season pic.twitter.com/UGQSxDsUpf
Low Tread on the Tires
You can think that only having had one entire season of a starting role in college is bad news for McIntosh, but let’s consider why it can be a good thing here.
NFL running backs typically are on the draft radar for teams based on a heavy workload with many touches. But McIntosh’s blend of skills speaks for more than having a heavy workload would.
McIntosh only has 279 carries and 76 receptions (355 total touches) in his collegiate career, equaling 2,443 total yards. While you want to see more from him in college, having a lower overall work can be a benefit.
WEAKNESSES
Pass Blocking / Running Style / Vision
Of these three listed weaknesses, they all can be corrected, but they certainly stand out for McIntosh.
For pass blocking, he looked pretty competent at the Senior Bowl. But McIntosh lacks proven reps handling incoming rushers, and his weight will make it tough to hold his own.
Ask NFL RB coaches and they’ll tell you most important drill at @seniorbowl is 1-on-1 pass pro.
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) February 28, 2023
Hard to find cleaner technical rep than this one by Georgia’s RB Kenny McIntosh.
✅ Feet
✅ Hands
✅ Reactiveness
Credit to Dawgs RB Coach @DellMcGee.#TheDraftStartsInMOBILE™️ pic.twitter.com/USiy2tVrzW
McIntosh needs to develop more patience when hitting his running lanes for his running style. McIntosh often gives up on running lanes and sometimes utilizes creativity, giving up on plays before they fully develop.
That style also impacts his vision, as he struggles to find the correct running lanes between the tackles. While not the most elusive back, having good vision is key, which McIntosh will need to improve.
CONCLUSION
McIntosh is an interesting running back to grade, especially with less college production to analyze than a typical RB prospect. While his passing game work will get him on draft boards, he must improve his running style.
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