Kentucky CB Dru Phillips Selected in 3rd Round of NFL Draft by Giants

The first Kentucky Wildcat has found a new home on Sundays. Versatile defensive back Dru Phillips has been selected by the New York Giants in the third round of the NFL Draft with pick No. 70.

It’s the fifth straight year the Wildcats have had at least one day-two selection. He’s also joining what has become a long line of Kentucky defensive backs who have had success in the NFL Draft.

Six Kentucky defensive backs have been selected since 2019, most notably two-time Super Bowl Champion Mike Edwards. Phillips’ former teammate, Carrington Valentine, was taken in the seventh round a year ago, but played his way into a starting role for the Green Bay Packers by the end of the season.

Dru Phillips is a shining example of the recruit and develop mantra Mark Stoops created at Kentucky. He was on the radar of very few Power Five teams when he signed with the Wildcats in 2020. The Louisville native played high school football in South Carolina and was a consensus three-star prospect.

It took Phillips some time to shine in the SEC. He primarily saw the field on special teams until his third year on campus. In 2022 he started in four games at nickel, totaling 31 tackles, 1.5 TFLs, and five pass break-ups. Following Valentine’s unexpected departure, Kentucky needed Phillips to play outside cornerback where he started in 12 games. He once again had five PBUs and 1.5 TFLs to go with a career-high 47 tackles. His most remarkable play happened after a D’Eryk Jackson interception. The linebacker pitched the ball to Phillips, who scampered 47 yards down the field to set up a Kentucky touchdown.

What makes Phillips unusual as an NFL Draft prospect is that he is being picked high despite never recording an interception in his collegiate career. The former track athlete shined in the NFL Combine workouts and impressed scouts at the Senior Bowl. Versatility makes him a vital asset, one who’s ready to compete right away on Sundays.

“You’re going to get a versatile player that wants to get in there and win a Super Bowl,” Phillips told KSR this week. “I don’t have personal goals as of right now. I just want to get in there and contribute to go win. I’m going to be the most versatile and physical cornerback on that field.”

Subscribe to the KSR YouTube Channel for press conferences, interviews, original shows, fan features, and exclusive content.