Draft Cats: Todd McShay is a Wan'Dale Robinson Fan

The conclusion of the 2021-22 season has turned the NFL’s attention to April’s draft. In the opening days of draft season former Wildcat Wan’Dale Robinson is already capturing the attention of analysts.

ESPN’S Todd McShay recently shared some of his favorite prospects. The former Kentucky Mr. Football is one player McShay believes isn’t receiving enough attention.

“I’m excited to see what he can do in the league. He’s a slot receiver. He’s a jitterbug. He has everything you need in terms of a slot receiver,” McShay said.

“Some guys have that lateral shiftiness and then some guys have that big burst of acceleration. He’s got both of them. I’m not saying he’s Deebo Samuel, but he’s kind of got that in him where he can do both things.”

He’s not saying Wan’Dale is Deebo Samuel, but he’s not not saying it either. Earlier this week McShay shared his early first round forecast and it did not include Mr. Robinson. The UK record-breaker does not have to be a day one pick to make a big splash on Sundays.

“There’s going to be a team somewhere on day two I believe that’s looking for a slot receiver to finish out their receiving corps and he’ll be a perfect fit. I think he’s going to have really good success in the league because it’s built for his game now. Get the ball in his hands and let me beat you one-on-one in space. He’s proven that at a high level playing in the SEC this past year.”

One of my two Spotlight Prospects on today’s First Draft Podcast— Kentucky WR Wan’Dale Robinson. Should be a great Day 2 value as a slot receiver in the NFL. pic.twitter.com/uyD3VwDSY7

— Todd McShay (@McShay13) February 14, 2022

Kinnard Fits Into Day Two

All-American offensive tackle Darian Kinnard was considered a fringe first round pick at the conclusion of the college football season. After struggling in pass sets against speed rushes at the Senior Bowl, scouts have slotted him into the second day. A tweener at either right tackle or guard, The Athletic’s Dane Brugler still believes the mauler from Knoxville is a top 50 player in the 2022 draft class.

Kinnard looks to impose his will early and manhandle everything in his path to create movement at the point of attack. He has the quickness to square half-man rushers, but he relies more on his upper body than lower body to get the job done, which leads to balance issues. Overall, Kinnard’s NFL ceiling will hinge on his ability to refine his sloppy tendencies, but he has the physical tools and bully mentality to be a dominant, scheme-diverse run blocker, either at tackle or guard.

Kinnard was No. 42 overall in Brugler’s updated Top 100. Robinson was not far behind at No. 77 overall.

Three-Round Mock Draft!

Typically, NFL Draft analysts do not extend their projections past the first round until just a few weeks before the event. Thankfully, NFL.com writers refuse to let a season end without new content ready to roll. On the day after the Super Bowl Chad Reuter unveiled a three round NFL Mock Draft that had both Wildcats picked on day two. Kinnard was selected in the second round by the Steelers at No. 52 overall, while Robinson went off the board at No. 94 overall to the Kansas City Chiefs. Even though it is just a silly projection, the former Cats fit the respective franchise’s culture perfectly.

Robinson and Kinnard will each be in Indianapolis in two weeks for the NFL Scouting Combine. There are 71 days till the NFL Draft.