Kentucky DB Zion Childress declares for 2025 NFL Draft

Another Wildcat is headed off to the NFL. Defensive back Zion Childress is the latest Kentucky football player to announce his professional intentions.

Childress, who is out of college eligibility as a super senior, spent the last three seasons in Lexington after beginning his college career at Texas State. A 6-foot, 195-pound defensive back, the Houston native finished his Kentucky career with 148 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss, three sacks, eight pass deflections, and one forced fumble. He never missed a game for the Wildcats.

“Forever grateful for the unconditional love and support I have received along this journey,” Childress posted on social media. “From San Marcos, Texas to Lexington, Kentucky the mission will always be the mission!

“I will be declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft.“

This past season, Childress appeared in all 12 contests for Kentucky, recording 55 tackles, six tackles for loss, and one sack. He was a rotating team captain throughout the 2024 campaign.

Thank you BBN 🫶🏾 pic.twitter.com/SjVQyvVUtD

— champ (@ZionChildress) December 7, 2024

Childress is the third Wildcat this offseason to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft, joining DT Deone Walker (a projected first-round pick) and OT Gerald Mincey. Childress’ name isn’t being mentioned in any NFL Mock Drafts right now, but most outlets are sticking with just first-round projections at the moment. He’ll have a chance to sneak his way into one of the later rounds with impressive pre-draft workouts and interviews.