What Are Kenny McIntosh’s 4 Best NFL Team Fits?

Georgia running back Kenny McIntosh is one of the most divisive prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft. McIntosh was extremely productive for the back-to-back National Champion Georgia Bulldogs in 2022. A dual-threat back, McIntosh accounted for 1,334 total yards of offense and 12 touchdowns.

But McIntosh has not enjoyed a fruitful pre-draft process. McIntosh ran the 40-yard dash in a 26th percentile 4.62 seconds at the NFL Scouting Combine. McIntosh’s athletic upside has come into question as a result. McIntosh’s landing spot will be critical to determining his next-level success. We’ve identified four ideal fits for Kenny McIntosh.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

Saints superstar running back Alvin Kamara is facing a potentially lengthy suspension for an alleged off-field incident. Saints general manager Mickey Loomis prepared for Kamara’s eventual absence by signing free-agent Jamaal Williams to a reasonable two-year contract this offseason. If Kamara’s suspension is of the six-plus-game variety, which feels likely, the Saints need to pair Williams with a mid-round option to keep from overworking their new starter.

The Saints will miss Kamara’s passing-game production. McIntosh recorded 505 receiving yards for the Bulldogs in 2022. McIntosh could help New Orleans absorb Kamara’s suspension.

CINCINNATI BENGALS

Joe Mixon was a potential cap casualty this summer, but it appears the Bengals can fit Mixon into their financial plans. Mixon is entering a contract year in 2023 and the Bengals can ill-afford to re-sign him given the contract status of more important pieces like Joe Burrow and Tee Higgins. Bengals decision-maker Duke Tobin must prepare ahead for Mixon’s inevitable departure.

The Bengals also lost an underrated contributor in Samaje Perine this offseason. McIntosh is an ideal change-of-pace back to complement Mixon’s abilities. Mixon was a bit overworked in 2022 (270 touches). Adding McIntosh would help the Bengals give Mixon the occasional breather.

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS

Chargers general manager Tom Telesco is involved in a contract-related standoff with superstar running back Austin Ekeler. Ekeler is entering a fate-deciding campaign in 2023 where he’s scheduled to earn an underpaid base salary of $6.250 million, per Spotrac. An unhappy Ekeler has officially requested a trade. The Chargers haven’t shown a willingness to negotiate an extension with Ekeler.

If Ekeler is traded, a deal could materialize on draft weekend. The Chargers possess some young ball carriers on the roster like Isaiah Spiller, but Telesco would almost certainly draft a running back if he dealt away Ekeler. McIntosh could help replace some of the passing-game production Ekeler would leave behind.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

The Eagles are candidates to draft Bijan Robinson with the 10th overall selection. Eagles fans are convinced that G.M. Howie Roseman won’t use a premium selection on a running back. If they’re proven right, Roseman won’t draft a running back until the middle rounds.

Roseman must replace rushing leader Miles Sanders, who signed with the Carolina Panthers in free agency. McIntosh would be joining a stable of backs that includes Rashaad Penny and Kenneth Gainwell. Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni loves to rotate his backfield. McIntosh would provide Sirianni with another intriguing option.