'I think that translates': Chris Rodriguez Jr.'s game can be good fit in NFL

With the NFL Draft quickly approaching, Kentucky quarterback Will Levis is getting most of the attention. That is for a good reason as the redshirt senior is likely going to be a top-10 selection. However, there is another offensive player worth paying attention to.

Chris Rodriguez Jr. spent five years in Lexington and had an outstanding career for the Wildcats. The McDonough (Ga.) Ola product rushed for 3,644 yards during his time in the SEC with 35 total touchdowns and first-team All-SEC honors in 2021 after rushing for over 1,300 yards. That season Rodriguez produced extreme efficiency with 6.1 yards per rush and a 65.5 percent success rate.

Mark Stoops believes the tailback’s production speaks for itself when it comes to scouting the prospect for the NFL.

“I don’t think there’s any question that Chris will carry that to the NFL,” Stoops said about Rodriguez’s game translating to the NFL. “You saw the production that he has and you guys all know that. You cover us. You know who we compete against and if you can be productive in the SEC year after year and put it on film, I think that translates. For Chris, he ran a really good time today and he’s going to do well in drills and he’s already done well through this process.”

At Kentucky’s pro day, Rodriguez logged an excellent 40-yard dash time, looked like he shed some weight since last season (checked in at 217 pounds), and was a smooth mover during position drills showing off pass-catching skills during Will Levis’ workout. While on the field, the Los Angeles Chargers and Tennessee Titans were watching the tailback very closely.

A day three pick is likely when Rodriguez will hear his name called, but that could be early in the fourth round after a strong performance from the tailback in the pre-draft circuit.

“Chris is going to do really big things and I think he’ll be a steady player in the NFL for a long time,” Stoops said.