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NFL Draft Round-Up, Where Do the Wildcats Stand in the Mock Drafts?

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2 years ago

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Justin Casterline/Getty Images

Since Mark Stoops’ arrival, the Kentucky Wildcats have had a player selected in the NFL Draft in seven of his nine seasons, including three straight seasons with multiple draft selections.

On Thursday, Kentucky will look to push that streak to four, and they have the potential to match or exceed the program record for most draft selections in the modern-day NFL Draft (six in 2020).

Let’s break it down and see where the Wildcats stand.

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Darian Kinnard

The Athletic: 2nd Round
CBS Sports: 3rd Round
ESPN: 3rd Round
Pro Football Focus (Ranked By Best Prospect): 79th

Last season, Darian Kinnard became just the 12th unanimous All-American in program history. Kinnard’s biggest strength is his raw power, which NFL teams love as he can use it to become dominant. However, by relying more on his upper body than his lower body, it creates potential balance issues when translating to the NFL. Teams that are interested in Kinnard are interested in a switch to guard.

Luke Fortner

The Athletic: 3rd Round
CBS Sports: 3rd Round
ESPN: 3rd Round
Pro Football Focus (Ranked By Best Prospect): 105th

The six-year player at Kentucky moved from guard to center in his last season where he made himself an NFL Draft pick. In addition to his guard-center versatility, Fortner is a high-intangible player that brings consistency, however, can be overpowered at times. Fortner should have the opportunity to become a starting NFL center while also providing depth at guard.

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Josh Paschal

The Athletic: 3rd Round
CBS Sports: 2nd Round
ESPN: 3rd Round
Pro Football Focus (Ranked By Best Prospect): 44th

Josh Paschal’s story from cancer a cancer diagnosis, to arguably Kentucky’s best draft prospect is something from a storybook. While not flashy, Paschal has a technically sound technique that helped him finish third in tackles for loss (37.0) in Kentucky football history, which NFL teams will gladly welcome.

Wan’Dale Robinson

The Athletic: 3rd-4th Round
CBS Sports: 3rd Round
ESPN: 3rd Round
Pro Football Focus (Ranked By Best Prospect): 125th

One of the most versatile playmakers in Kentucky football history, Wan’Dale Robinson has the potential to be a starting NFL slot receiver and return man. Robison is one the quickest and most athletic prospects in the draft, but is hurt by being undersized and having more career drops (11) than receiving touchdowns (10).

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Yusuf Corker

The Athletic: 5th Round
CBS Sports: 6th Round
ESPN: 6th Round
Pro Football Focus (Ranked By Best Prospect): 185th

Corker plays fast, tough, and confident, which is perfect for the NFL. A three-year starter at UK, Corker finished in the top two on the team in tackles each season and top three on the team in passes defended. However, Corker must improve his tackling, with 31 missed tackles in his career at UK.

Dare Rosenthal

The Athletic: 5th Round
CBS Sports: 5th Round
ESPN: 6th Round
Pro Football Focus (Ranked By Best Prospect): 237th

Transferring from LSU, Rosenthal was a one-year starter at left tackle for Kentucky. Rosenthal has all the pieces and potential to be a blocker in the NFL. However, disciplinary issues (on and off the field) will be scrutinized by the NFL.

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Marquan McCall

The Athletic: 6th-7th Round
CBS Sports: 7th Round
ESPN: 7th Round
Pro Football Focus: 236th

After an inconsistent three years, McCall replaced Quinton Bohanna as the Wildcats’ nose tackle last season. Despite an injury and showing little production in his senior campaign, you can’t teach size. Standing 6-foot-3 340-pounds, McCall’s size and natural power can earn him an NFL roster spot.

Quandre Mosely

The Athletic: Priority Free Agent

During his time at Kentucky, Mosely primarily came off the bench but saw his role increase in his senior year with 36.7 snaps per game. With long arms, quick feet, and impressive twitch, Mosely has the tools to be a developmental cornerback in the NFL.

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Justin Rigg

Undrafted

With Riggs name yet to be named in a mock draft, it will look to be a tall order for the former UK tight end to be selected. While proficient as a blocker, Rigg was never able to consistently show the ability to be a pass-catcher. Look for Rigg to potentially find his way into an NFL camp.

The Kentucky football program looks to be in for an exciting night, as they should be amongst the schools with the most draft picks.

Check out the full mock drafts here. (The Athletic, CBS Sports, ESPN, Pro Football Focus)

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Four-Star Safety, Top 200 Recruit Martels Carter Jr. Commits to Kentucky

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2 months ago

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May 25, 2024

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2025 Four-star safety Martels Carter Jr commits to Kentucky Wildcats over Auburn, Colorado, and Louisville.
UK Athletics

YAHTZEE!

The Kentucky Wildcats have added the top-ranked player in the state and one of the top safeties in the country to their 2025 recruiting class.

On Saturday, Martels Carter Jr. announced his commitment to the Wildcats!

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“BBN I’M HOME”

A unanimous 4-star prospect and top 20 safety nationally, Carter chose the Cats over finalists Auburn Tigers, Colorado Buffalo, and Louisville. He also held offers from some of the biggest programs in the sport, including Alabama, Georgia, Michigan, and Oregon among others.

Originally from Chattanooga, TN, Carter moved to Paducah last summer where he starred for Paducah Tilghman High School, helping them to an undefeated regular season and a deep run in the 4A state playoffs, falling in the semifinals.

While it’s okay to celebrate his commitment, it will still be a battle until signing day. Auburn is seen as Kentucky’s biggest threat with Carter planning multiple visits, and he also has a family connection to Deion Sander’s Colorado program.

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That said, he will almost certainly take an official visit to Kentucky this fall. Vince Marrow has made Carter a priority of this class and will do everything in his power to retain the talented defensive back.

Carter makes the sixth commitment for Kentucky’s 2025 class, to go along with two talented offensive players and fellow four-star recruits Quintin Simmons Jr (WR) and Marquise Davis (RB).

Also published on A Sea of Blue.

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REPORT: Liam Coen Leaving Kentucky for NFL Offensive Coordinator Position

Published

6 months ago

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February 2, 2024

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UK Athletics

On the eve of a huge recruiting weekend for Kentucky football, the program has received some bad news. Offensive coordinator Liam Coen is leaving for the NFL again, this time taking the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator position.

When Coen returned to Kentucky last offseason from the Los Angeles Rams, for his second stint as offensive coordinator, he talked about Lexington being a place that he and his wife had missed. In his return press conference, on January 12, 2023, he went as far as saying he wanted to be somewhere for a “few years”, at least.

“I want to go somewhere, make a real impact. Plant some roots for a little bit. Be somewhere for a few years — at least — that you feel really good about. I’m excited about being back in Lexington… I’m not in a rush to go anywhere.”

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That “few years” was just a year, but to be honest, it shouldn’t come as a huge surprise. After many games last season, Coen talked to the media with frustration about fundamental things such as lack of discipline and dropped passes. Even then, it always felt he was holding his words back. With his name circulating around multiple NFL jobs, it was clear this was the direction it was heading.

Now for Kentucky, it’s about getting the next hire right. In a time where offense is becoming the premium in college football, going through five offensive coordinators in ten seasons is not ideal. Paying $1.8 million to Coen, they have shown they will pay amongst the top in the country. Now, go get someone who keeps this core of offensive talent, can recruit, and brings much-needed consistency.

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A Piece of Will Levis’ Historic NFL Debut Displayed in NFL Hall of Fame

Published

6 months ago

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January 26, 2024

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Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis after his NFL debut.
© Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK

During last year’s NFL Draft, Will Levis was one of the last players left in the green room after dropping to the second round. That moment fueled Levis, and he’s since earned the starting quarterback spot with the Tennessee Titans, appearing to have a bright future with the team.

Entering the season with no shortage of motivation, Levis entered the franchise as QB3 and wasn’t even on the active roster for the first six weeks of the season, being deemed the “emergency quarterback.” However, following an ankle injury to Ryan Tannehill in Week 6, the Titans gave their rookie quarterback an opportunity.

Levis certainly capitalized and had one of the best debuts in NFL History, throwing for 238 yards (19/29 passing) and four touchdowns. From the game, Levis has been put in the Hall of Fame. Well, at least his Houston Oiler throwback helmet from the performance has been placed on display in the Hall of Fame’s “Pro Football Today Gallery.”

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Levis started his career with a bang and had his moments. The former Kentucky Wildcat will look to build on his rookie campaign, going into a year where he should be the starter under new head coach Brian Callahan.

Also published on A Sea of Blue.

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