Georgia football: Kirby Smart knows how to move the NFL Draft needle

The 2017 Georgia football NFL Draft class

Smart’s first draft in Athens saw one player get selected, and the 2017 Draft is the only time he hasn’t had a first-round pick.

Isaiah McKenzie got selected by the Denver Broncos during the fifth round. He was the 28th pick in that round and 172 overall.

McKenzie made a bold choice to declare for this draft because most thought he would come back one more season. While McKenzie isn’t truly a fifth-round pick, there was a lot of unknown about him, so it wasn’t surprising to see him go that late in the draft.

The Broncos had him on the team for two seasons before McKenzie signed with his current team — the Buffalo Bills.

McKenzie is speedy, and the Bills initially used him on kickoff duties as their return guy, but he eventually worked his way into the offense. He can do a little of everything, which helped him get some offensive snaps.

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His best season was in 2020, as he recorded 30 catches for 282 yards and five touchdowns. McKenzie also scored on an 84-yard punt return.

Last year, he had 20 catches for 178 yards and one score, but it was enough for the Bills to extend his contract for two more seasons.

It’s hard to believe that McKenzie has been in the NFL for five seasons, but he has and continues to succeed. He almost has 1000 receiving and return yards through those five seasons as he is at 922 receiving and 968 kick return yards.

McKenzie is making a name for himself in the league, and as long as he stays healthy, the Bills should keep utilizing him.