NFL Draft Notebook: Kentucky trio finishes up week at Senior Bowl

Super Bowl week has finally arrived, but phase one of the 2022 NFL Draft season is complete. After a week of practice on the University of South Alabama campus, the Reese’s Senior Bowl wrapped up with an exhibition game on Saturday afternoon.

That officially marked the end of the all-star game circuit. Everyone is now moving onto phase two as players and franchises get ready for the NFL Draft Combine in March.

However, some moves both good and bad were made at the Senior Bowl. Three Kentucky players were involved, and each was looking to bolster their draft stock.

After following practice reports and watching the game over the weekend, KSR is here to provide a report on where things stand with UK prospects in February.

Luke Fortner took advantage of opportunity

Following the departure of Drake Jackson, former three-star recruit Luke Fortner decided to return to school for his super senior season. The Ohio native started in 23 consecutive games at guard entering the 2021 season but would switch to center in his last year.

That ended up being a wise move.

Fortner started all 13 games for the 10-3 Wildcats and had an overall solid season. That earned the veteran an invite to the Senior Bowl where Fortner delivered.

.@lukefortner79 puttin’ in the work at @seniorbowl. 😤💪 pic.twitter.com/Nxp1TUHZ3q

— Octagon Football (@OctagonFootball) February 3, 2022

Some team is going to get a longtime starter when they draft you, Luke. No doubt you’re ready to be a pro. Made an impact on a lot of people in a short period of time here in Mobile. Thanks for coming!

— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) February 7, 2022

Tyler Linderbaum (Iowa) is the top center in this group, but after that C2 is anyone’s to grab. Dylan Parham (Memphis) and Cole Strange (Chattanooga) have gotten buzz, but Fortner might have grabbed that spot last week.

Don’t be surprised to see the super senior sneak into the backend of round three.

Darian Kinnard might be sliding inside

Darian Kinnard had a historic career at Kentucky. The Cleveland (Ohio) St. Ignatius product started 39 consecutive games to end his career and was a consensus first-team All-American in 2021. Over the last two seasons, Kinnard was one of the best tackles in college football.

Yet, guard might be the best position for Kinnard who checked in at 324 pounds and just under 6-foot-5. Despite having some of the longest arms at the Senior Bowl (34 5/8 inches), Kinnard had some issues in pass protection.

On the first series of the game, Kinnard would get beat on a speed rush and that would turn into a trend. After giving up a second down pressure, Kinnard had a false start on third down to immediately end a promising scoring drive.

Later in the game, the right tackle got beat for another sack just outside of the red zone when Jesse Luketa (Penn State) was able to turn the corner. Dealing with speed on the outside in isolation was tough for the former four-star recruit.

However, when forced to play with power head-on, Kinnard flashed great play strength with the ability to anchor to stop power moves from defensive players.

The college superstar is still likely a top-60 prospect in this draft, but his future could be at right guard where Kinnard can lean into his strengths — power, base, grip strength — and have to worry less about quick twitch athletes turning the corner on him in pass-rush situations.

Yusuf Corker remains steady

Yusuf Corker was a two-time captain at Kentucky who started 37 consecutive games to end his career. The Metro Atlanta product didn’t create a ton of big plays but was always in the right spot.

That showed up at the Senior Bowl.

Corker missed a couple of tackles in the game, but overall the veteran was right where he was supposed to be and could be seen informing teammates where to line up.

The safety’s biggest strength at the next level will be his high football IQ and being a rookie that coaching staffs can trust early. The 204-pound defensive back brings kick coverage value and is a safe bet to be a draft pick.

Expect Corker to go off the board in round five or six, but the three-year starter should be an immediate contributor thanks to good athleticism and advanced knowledge of the game.

Josh Paschal missed opportunity to shine in deep defensive front class

Everyone wants to talk about quarterbacks, but the defensive front was the best pool of talent at the Senior Bowl. At both the interior defensive line and edge, players shined at the All-Star event.

The draft is loaded with high-quality players who can play along the line of scrimmage, and Josh Paschal will have a bunch of competition when names start going off the board in April.

Due to this depth, Paschal could slip into the fifth round when some teams could have a third-round grade on the All-SEC performer. Perrion Winfrey (Oklahoma) was the biggest winner at the Senior Bowl and might have moved into first-round territory.

Parting Thoughts

• The Senior Bowl confirmed that this draft has issues at quarterback. Kenny Pickett (Pittsburgh) seems just fine, and many have him as the clear QB1. Malik Willis has some tools — arm strength, mobility — and could be a swing for the fences target in the first round. However, the quarterbacks left you wanting more as this feels like a bad year to need a franchise QB.
• However, things are not in bad shape at offensive tackle. Evan Neal (Alabama) and Ikem Ekwonu (NC State) could be competing for the No. 1 overall spot as the Jacksonville Jaguars are on the clock. Charles Cross (Mississippi State) is also a first-round talent. Meanwhile, Trevor Penning (Northern Iowa) locked up a first-round pick at the Senior Bowl. At over 6-foot-6 and 330 pounds, Penning is a clear offensive tackle with a nasty streak. The FCS product will be an instant starter with a chance to turn into one of the best pros from this class.
• Not surprisingly, running back is deep again in the draft. Rachaad White (Arizona State) and Abram Smith (Baylor) each looked like potential starters. There will be no need to reach as quality backs will be available into day three.