Over the last five years, the Kentucky football team has had 22 players chosen in the NFL Draft. That comes on the heels of no one being selected in 2017-2018. This past weekend’s festivities saw four more Wildcats picked. Let’s talk about who went where with our 2024 Kentucky NFL Draft Recap. In addition, we’ll look at a number of Cats who signed free agent deals.<\/p>\n
No Wildcats were expected to go in the first round this year, and that’s exactly what happened. In our NFL Draft Preview, <\/a>we said it was possible to see some former Cats go in the second round. However, it took until round three on Friday before two defensive stars finally came off the board.<\/p>\n With the 70th pick the New York Giants selected cornerback Andru Phillips<\/a>. When he declared for the draft it surprised a number of experts. In his final year in Lexington Phillips was seventh on the team with 47 tackles including 1.5 for a loss. However, he had a great Senior Bowl along with a strong NFL Combine. As a result, Phillips became a coveted pick.<\/p>\n Phillips is the fourth cornerback chosen since Brad White<\/strong> became defensive coordinator in 2019. Furthermore, he’s the second straight pick for defensive backs coach Chris Collins. <\/strong>Kentucky is building a reputation as a defensive back school.<\/p>\n In defensive coordinator Shane Bowen’s<\/strong> scheme Phillips is a great fit in zone coverage. He can play either inside or outside. Furthermore, he and another Giants’ pick Cooper DeJean<\/a> should be important pieces of a rebuild.<\/p>\n Two picks after Phillips went off the board linebacker Trevin Wallace<\/a> was selected by the Carolina Panthers. The Georgia native declared for the draft after three great seasons in Lexington. A letter winner each year, Wallace played in 36 games with 19 starts. A season ago he finished second on the team with 80 tackles, 8.5 for a loss, and 5.5 sacks. During his Kentucky career, he made 166 tackles with 18 for a loss. He also had 10 sacks and three interceptions.<\/p>\n Carolina Selects LB Trevin Wallace 72nd Overall<\/p>\n \ud83d\udd35 1 TD Allowed in Coverage in Career (606 Coverage Snaps) pic.twitter.com\/dg6rSSOneQ<\/a><\/p>\n — PFF College (@PFF_College) April 27, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\nStar In The Making?<\/h3>\n
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