Since 2019, the Kentucky football team has had 29 players selected in the NFL Draft. You have to go back to the 1970’s to find a time when that many Kentucky players were drafted. As we talked about in our draft preview, as many as five Cats appeared on many mock drafts. As it turned UK hit 80% of their goal as four Wildcats got the call. Let’s show you who they were and where they ended up with our 2026 Kentucky NFL Draft Recap. In addition, we’ll tell you about some more former players who signed as free agents.
Several Former Cats Get the Call
From the Big Blue Wall to the NFL
As expected, guard Jalen Farmer was the first Cat off the board. Going in the fourth round with the 113th pick to the Indianapolis Colts, Farmer goes to a club where he is potentially a great fit. Currently, Indianapolis has two pretty good starters in Matt Goncalves and Quenton Nelson. However, Nelson is in the last year of his contract while Goncalves is a six-time All-Pro. Farmer will be the backup in year one, but could be a starter in the near future.
JALEN FARMER, WELCOME TO INDY ‼️
YOU'RE A COLT 👏@UKFootball | #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/dgL8QmUCwT
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) April 25, 2026
One round later, the second Kentucky offensive lineman was drafted. Lexington native Jager Burton went to Green Bay in the fifth round with the 153rd overall pick.
With the 153rd pick, the @packers select @jager_burton. pic.twitter.com/jRNDq3Lz1H
— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) April 25, 2026
Burton, who played both center and guard at Kentucky, goes to a Packers squad where he could be a good fit. However, he faces some definite competition in Green Bay. Sean Rhyan moved to center during the 2025 season and is your likely starter. Jacob Monk is the backup but saw limited playing time. In addition, the Packers could use depth at the guard position. Look for Burton’s versatility to help him in a quest to win a roster spot.
From 1994 to 2012, Kentucky didn’t have an offensive lineman drafted. Larry Warford went to Detroit in 2013, and then there wasn’t another pick until 2019. They’ve now had seven players picked since then.
As we continue with our 2026 Kentucky NFL Draft Recap, let’s move to the other side of the ball.
Two For The Offense
Kendrick Law came to Kentucky after three years at Alabama. He finished the 2025 season with 53 catches, 25 more than the next Wildcat. In addition, he led the team with 540 yards and was second with three touchdowns.
15 picks after Burton Law also went to an NFC North club, the Detroit Lions at pick 168. Much like the other two Cats, Law looks to be headed to a good situation. They have one of the best receivers in football in Amon-Ra St. Brown. Alongside him, they have Jameson Williams and Issac TeSlaa.
However, after that, there’s not a lot of depth. Law could also see time on special teams and as a kick returner. The only receiver draft pick for Detroit has a great shot at making the team.
Several early mock drafts had Seth McGowan as a late third-day pick. As it turned out, that’s exactly how it played out. The Cats’ leading rusher from 2025 joined Farmer in Indianapolis as they selected him in the seventh round with the 253rd pick. Indy has one of the best running backs in the NFL in Johnathan Taylor, and right behind him is DJ Giddens. McGowan should compete for the third running back spot for the Colts.
One more interesting note, former Wildcat Barion Brown went to New Orleans in the sixth round.
As we wrap up our 2026 Kentucky NFL Draft Recap, let’s look at more former Cats who signed as free agents.
Getting Their Chance
Tight end Josh Kattus didn’t have far to go to find his NFL home. The Cincinnati native signed a deal with the Bengals. Wide receiver Ja’Mori Maclin joined the Buffalo Bills. In the process, he’s reunited with former Cats Ray Davis, Maxwell Hairston, and Deone Walker in the “Bills Mafia.”
Two more members of the “Big Blue Wall” also found NFL homes. Offensive tackle Alex Wollschlaeger signed with the New Orleans Saints, while Shiyazh Pete landed a deal with the Dallas Cowboys. Defensive lineman Kahlil Saunders signed with the Dallas Cowboys, while punter Aidan Laros is now a Tampa Bay Buccaneer.
Two final notes: former Wildcat receiver Dane Key landed with the Denver Broncos, where he’ll be playing with his brother Devon. Lastly, David Gusta, a player many thought would get drafted, wasn’t and, as of this writing, hasn’t signed a free agent deal.
Final Thoughts
All things considered, it was a pretty good draft for the Kentucky football. With four players drafted, the program has had 33 players selected since 2019. With the talent new coach Will Stein is bringing in, those numbers will continue to rise.
Thanks for checking out our 2026 Kentucky NFL Draft Recap here at Last Word On College Football.
Main Image: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
