One Final Look at NFL Draft Projections for Kentucky Football Players

The NFL Draft is two days away. We’ve spent countless hours projecting where Will Levis may land in the first round, but he’s not the only Wildcat that will hear his name called this weekend.

Once the Kentucky quarterback is picked, the BBN will be playing a waiting game. None of the other former Wildcats are expected to be selected until day three during rounds four through seven.

Figuring out where each player may fall at the later stages of the NFL Draft is a crapshoot. There are simply too many variables at play. However, that’s not going to stop us from sifting through seven-round mock drafts and mountains of data to dream about where each player may potentially land.

For more in-depth analysis, check out Adam Luckett’s 2023 NFL Draft Guide on KSR+.

ESPN’s Matt Miller

Round 1, Pick 11, Will Levis, Tennessee Titans

The Titans have done homework on the top five quarterbacks in preparation for life after Ryan Tannehill and are in an ideal situation to draft and develop a passer. Levis would be a fantastic play for Tennessee given his arm strength, mobility and toughness in the pocket.

Why the slide for Levis? There are concerns among NFL scouts about his age (24) and that his style of play will lead to injuries in the NFL — much like Carson Wentz, given both players’ penchants for staying in the pocket and absorbing hits from pass-rushers. Levis is seen as NFL-ready — former offensive coordinator Liam Coen has been vocal in his belief in Levis as a franchise quarterback — but he’ll have to speed up his process in the NFL and cut down on the 23 interceptions he threw over the past two years.

Matt Miller

Round 7, Pick 227, Chris Rodriguez, New Orleans Saints

Round 7, Pick 250, Carrington Valentine, Kansas City Chiefs

Valentine would become the third Wildcat to join the Chiefs’ organization in the last two years. Darian Kinnard was selected in the fifth round of last year’s draft and Phil Hoskins was added to the practice squad in the middle of the Chiefs’ Super Bowl season.

Daniel Jeremiah’s Top 150 Prospects

No. 12 Will Levis

No. 137 Carrington Valentine

As you’ll see with Valentine, his projections are all over the place. He could be one of the first picks on Saturday or one of the last names called. It all depends on team need and how many cornerbacks go off the board.

Chad Reuter, NFL.com

Round 1, Pick 2, Will Levis, Houston Texans

Round 5, Pick 142, Carrington Valentine, Cleveland Browns

Round 5, Pick 160, Chris Rodriguez, New York Giants

While finding carries may be difficult for Rodriguez in a backfield with Saquon Barkley, he could team up with Wan’Dale Robinson for a playoff contender.

Pro Football Focus

Round 1, Pick 4, Will Levis, Indianapolis Colts

Round 7, Pick 247, Chris Rodriguez, San Francisco 49ers

Kyle Shanahan’s offensive scheme did not work so well with Rich Scangarello calling plays at Kentucky, but Rodriguez could thrive in the Bay Area. The Niners seemingly always have three steady running backs rotating in and Rodriguez could do that right away as a rookie.

Pro Football Network

Round 1, Pick 11, Will Levis, Tennessee Titans

Round 5, Pick 145, Carrington Valentine, Carolina Panthers

An elite athlete with good size, Carrington Valentine can quickly become an insurance piece in case Jaycee Horn or Donte Jackson get hurt.

Ian Valentino

Dane Brugler’s Draft Rankings, The Athletic

Will Levis, No. 4 QB, No 14 Overall

Chris Rodriguez, No. 16 RB, 5th Round

Carrington Valentine, No. 28 CB, 6th Round