Kentucky flashes depth of talent at latest Pro Day
Mark Stoops has built a football program at the University of Kentucky. Friday’s Pro Day at Nutter Field House was another example of that.
With numerous NFL scouting personnel in attendance highlighted by Cincinnati Bengals Director of Player Personnel Duke Tobin, 11 former Wildcats worked out as each looked to improve their draft stock. KSR was on-site to take in the entire event.
Now it’s time to dive into some instant takeaways as phase two of the draft season is officially complete.
Josh Paschal is smashing draft season
Josh Paschal had a historical career at Kentucky. The former blue-chip recruit out of the DMV finished his playing career after five seasons with 37 starts, 37 tackles for loss, and three blocked kicks. Paschal was a first-team All-SEC performer as a redshirt senior and has many NFL organizations interested in adding him to their franchise.
However, there were some questions. At 6-foot-2 and 270 pounds, Paschal is a bit undersized for the defensive end position, and pass rush was never a true strong suit. However, the testing is starting to eliminate those worries.
After posting some excellent scores at the NFL Scouting Combine, Paschal backed those numbers up with a strong strength score as the veteran posted 30 reps on the bench press. Meanwhile, Paschal looked good in individual drills and has the look of a pro football player.
There is still a tweener element, but as of now, Paschal feels like a lock to be an early-to-mid third-round pick with a puncher’s chance at sneaking into the back of the second round if a team falls in love with him as a prospect.
Luke Fortner is going higher than expected
Heading into the 2021 season, not many folks had Luke Fortner on their draft boards. The former three-star recruit played both guard spots in his first five seasons on campus but was switching to center for his sixth year with the program. That move is paying huge dividends.
After a solid combine performance, Fortner enhanced his draft stock with a good showing at Kentucky Pro Day. Measuring in at just under 6-foot-4 and 307 pounds, the super senior posted 31 reps on the bench press to go with a solid vertical.
Tyler Linderbaum (Iowa) is the top center in the draft, but Fortner is in the conversation for No. 2. Don’t be surprised if the second-team All-SEC performer ends up being a third-round selection.
Measurables are a concern for Wan’Dale Robinson
Former top-100 recruit Wan’Dale Robinson is the heavy favorite to be the first Kentucky player off the board at the NFL Draft. The slot receiver set a program record for single-season receptions (104) as the Nebraska transfer had a dominant one season with Kentucky.
All that production came from a player that is just 5-foot-8 with 28-inch arms. Unfortunately, those measurements will concern some teams.
Robinson had some good moments in the latest draft workout as he posted an impressive 19 reps on the bench to go with some flashy route-running and ball tracking in pass drills. However, the size is what it is and that is not going to change.
If a slide happens for the star wide receiver, it will be due to the size. There simply are not a lot of NFL wideouts with those measurements and positional versatility will be limited as Robinson will be forced to be only a slot receiver.
Darian Kinnard is heading to guard
Darian Kinnard was a first-team All-American right tackle for Kentucky who started 39 consecutive games for the Wildcats. A former four-star recruit, Kinnard made an instant impact on the program and was a linchpin as Kentucky consistently had one of the most effective rushing attacks in college football.
However, the top position for Kinnard won’t be tackle at the next level.
The testing numbers weren’t great throughout the pre-draft process, but the data is much better at guard. His 20 reps on bench press won’t help matters much. Kinnard should not fall out of the second round due to his production in college, but guard will be the spot for the star in the NFL.
Scouting notebook
- Where Dare Rosenthal lands is anyone’s guess. The LSU transfer did not participate in bench at the combine or pro day. The broad jump (8’9″) and 40-yard dash (4.88) were very solid, but athleticism wasn’t a question. Anything from the fourth round to the end of the draft seems possible for the developmental prospect.
- Both Josh Ali and Justin Rigg worked out, but each was limited as neither could run the 40. That is unfortunate as each has a chance to sneak in the backend of the seventh round. However, going undrafted won’t be a bad situation for either as both should be high-priority free agents.
- Terry Wilson was back on campus and had a successful day. The former Oregon, Kentucky, and New Mexico quarterback threw the ball well, posted a good broad jump (9’10”), vertical (29.5), and looked smooth in running drills. The veteran is looking for a free agent opportunity.
- Don’t sleep on Yusuf Corker. The redshirt senior safety performed well in individual drills, posted a solid vertical (34.5), and moved well at his size (6-0, 199). Expect him to go off the board in the late rounds.
- Will Levis is a draft prospect. QB1 at Kentucky participated in throwing drills on Friday and had the attention of every scout in attendance. There were some gasps when the passer flashed some arm talent. Levis could be a very wanted man at this time next year.
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