Kentucky has trio of top 100 prospects in NFL Draft

Draft season is coming to a close as big boards are being finalized both within the National Football League and the media. Next week the show will go on in Las Vegas, but there is enough time to get some final predictions in before that draft jingle is played.

For Kentucky football, the three-day event should be a good moment for the program. The Wildcats are unlikely to have any players go off the board in round one, but Friday and Saturday should be a couple of big days for the Wildcats. Seven former players should hear their names called over those two days as Kentucky officially puts the final touches on their 10-3 campaign.

ESPN’s Jordan Reid officially released his big board on Thursday and Kentucky has three players in the top-100. Throughout the rankings, seven Kentucky players received draftable grades. The 2022 NFL Draft should be significant for Mark Stoops and his football program.

• 50.) Josh Paschal (round two grade)
• 67.) Darian Kinnard (round two/round three grade)
• 81.) Wan’Dale Robinson (round three grade)
• 117.) Luke Fortner (round three/round four grade)
• 218.) Yusuf Corker (round five/round six grade)
• 219.) Dare Rosenthal (round five/round six grade)
• 244.) Marquan McCall (round six grade)

The pre-draft process can elevate or sink draft stocks, and it appears to have done wonders for Josh Paschal. The redshirt senior and former four-star recruit put together some excellent scores at the NFL Scouting Combine and is starting to generate some legitimate round two buzz. Meanwhile, Luke Fortner has also seen a major rise and appears to have locked in a day two selection.

However, it doesn’t work for everyone.

Darian Kinnard was seen as one of the top right tackles in college football entering the draft seasons, but the Senior Bowl and NFL Scouting Combine did not help the senior. However, there is still good tape on the prospect, but the All-American appears to be going from second-round lock to someone that could be on the board early in round three.

The same could also be said for Wan’Dale Robinson, but that is most likely due to size concerns. Meanwhile, the last three Wildcats — Yusuf Corker, Marquan McCall, and Dare Rosenthal — have seen their stocks remain steady throughout the draft process.

The big show is almost here. It is important to point out that mock drafts and big boards are fun, but they are not the official word. We should expect some surprises in the draft. Kentucky could have a player or two go much earlier than expected if a team is a believer.