Luke Fortner Drafted by Jacksonville Jaguars with No. 65 Pick in Round Three

Luke Fortner is officially a Jacksonville Jaguar. The former Kentucky Wildcat was selected with the first pick of the third round at No. 65 overall. He’ll join Josh Allen in Duval and immediately compete to be Trevor Lawrence’s starting center.

Luke Fortner was the 65th pick. Fitting tribute. Coach John Schlarman would be proud.

— Freddie Maggard (@FredMaggard606) April 30, 2022

Today’s reality was a far-fetched dream a year ago. Fortner was a two-year starter for the Big Blue Wall at right guard, yet NFL scouts were disinterested. He returned for a Super Senior season and switched positions, moving to center. It was a masterful move, anchoring an offensive line that was a finalist for the Joe Moore Award. By seamlessly replacing a UK legend, Drake Jackson, he brought desired size and positional versatility that made him a coveted NFL prospect.

“I think it’s just been a great move all the way around,” Stoops said this fall. “It’s been really good for our team. To replace somebody like Drake, that’s so intelligent and can direct so much, he’s done that.

“But, then you bring in Luke and it’s really helped him and shown his versatility. You know, he has more size than Drake and I think it’ll help him move forward and give him give him an opportunity to play at the next level. He’s got like five degrees, so if he doesn’t make it I think he’ll be alright, but I do think he’ll make it in the NFL.”

Fortner fortified his draft status by excelling at the Senior Bowl and impressing one of his childhood heroes, Joe Thomas, at the NFL Combine.

During his time at Kentucky he was named to the Allstate Good Works Team. Last fall Fortner earned to SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week honors and was named Second Team All-SEC by two different publications. As Stoops alluded to, Fortner’s time is not finished at Kentucky. Before he heads to training camp this summer he will graduate UK with an MBA to add to his collection of engineering degrees.