Devin Leary Among 6 Kentucky Wildcats Invited to NFL Combine

The 2024 Kentucky football NFL Draft class was expected to be a light one. As the event draws near, we’re learning that a handful of players could receive life-changing news during the three-day event in Detroit.

On Tuesday morning the NFL released the names of 321 prospects invited to the Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. Six former Kentucky Wildcats will be tested in front of NFL officials, including one who departed the program last offseason, Auburn DL Justin Rogers.

CB Andru Phillips, LB Trevin Wallace, OT Jeremy Flax, WR Tayvion Robinson, RB Ray Davis, and QB Devin Leary will be representing Kentucky at the NFL Combine.

While Flax’s appearance might surprise the BBN, the former Kentucky offensive tackle has been a revelation since the season ended. After impressing scouts in the Hula Bowl, he received an invitation to the Senior Bowl, potentially pacing his way into the NFL Draft.

Robinson and Leary did not make it to Mobile, but each participated in the Shrine Bowl. Leary showed off his big arm ahead of the game. The impressive velocity of his throws wasn’t just based on anecdotal evidence. He threw the fastest pass at this year’s event and had the highest spin rate of any QB at the Shrine Bowl over the last three seasons. Leary is one of 14 quarterbacks who will participate in this year’s NFL Combine.

In addition to the tests performed on the field at Lucas Oil Stadium, prospects will interview with teams and the media throughout the eventful week. The NFL Scouting Combine will be held in Indy from Feb. 26-March 4.

Dru Phillips Rises up NFL Draft Boards

Last week we talked to Dru Phillips about his impressive Senior Bowl performance. It wasn’t just lip service. Following the showcase in Mobile, The Athletic’s NFL Draft expert Dane Brugler ranked the former Kentucky cornerback as the No. 69 player available. Phillips could hear his name called on day two in Detroit.

“Although his production won’t jump off the page, Phillips’ coverage tape improved each of his four seasons in Lexington — and that progress continued with a strong week of Senior Bowl practices,” writes Brugler.

“With his lower-body quickness and agility, he is able to drive from zone or stay within arm’s length downfield in man. He prefers to play a physical brand of football, which is refreshing. However, Phillips’ handsy tactics need more subtlety, and his tackling requires better finishing control.”