Four Kentucky players receive invites to NFL Scouting Combine

Now that the all-star circuit is complete, the next big event during the pre-draft cycle will take place in the last week of February in Indianapolis. The 2023 NFL Scouting Combine will have 319 prospects in town from Feb. 28-March 6 for team interviews, athletic testing, full medical examinations, and media interviews in preparation for the 2023 NFL Draft from April 27-29.

Four Kentucky players were on the invite list. Will Levis, Tashawn Manning, Chris Rodriguez Jr., and Carrington Valentine will all be present for the event.

Will Levis should be one of the most popular players at the event this year as the former Penn State transfer and two-year starter at Kentucky has a legitimate shot to be the first overall pick. Chris Rodriguez Jr. seems to be a solid round four or round five lock on Day 3. Carrington Valentine could come off the board early on Day 2 in round three or could fall into the late parts of Day 3. Tashawn Manning is a wild card that is looking to lock up a draft spot.

KSR will once again have boots on the ground just outside the house that Peyton Manning to provide full coverage for the event. Expect full video interviews, daily “11 Personnel” podcasts, and some written content from the mega-event.

Kentucky Pro Day will be significant for other prospects

Just because a player didn’t receive an invite to the NFL Scouting Combine does not mean that they will not get drafted in April. In the past, George Asafo-Adjei and Brandin Echols were buoyed by big pro day performances to lock up a Day 3 pick.

A handful of Wildcats will be looking to follow that blueprint this draft cycle.

Despite a strong outing on the all-stat circuit where Keidron Smith impressed NFL organizations at both the NFLPA Bowl and Senior Bowl, the Pro Day will be a big event for the cornerback. Smith appears to have a great chance at securing a draft spot.

Tyrell Ajian, Jacquez Jones, DeAndre Square, and Jordan Wright will need some big performances at Pro Day to improve their draft stock.

Stay tuned as we will be providing full coverage of all the draft events at KSR before making the trip to Kansas City where Will Levis will become the program’s first offensive Day 1 selection of the Mark Stoops era.