NFL Mini-Camp Updates On Kentucky's Rookies
This past weekend was rookie mini-camp weekend for most of the National Football League. By Sunday, all 32 teams had concluded their three-day preseason rookie mini-camps and soon the newcomers will join the vets for OTAs in the coming weeks ahead.
To close the book on mini-camps, enjoy a brief rundown of Kentucky’s participants, namely the four NFL Draft picks expected to make 53-man rosters. Some of their former UK teammates are chasing that dream on UDFA deals.
Wan’Dale Robinson, New York Giants
Tyreke Hill comparisons are being thrown around Wan’Dale Robinson in New York after the G-Men moved up to draft Robinson one round ahead of his third-round projections, at No. 14 in the second. Up for the challenge, Robinson said of his new role, “Whatever they want me to do, whether that be run the ball, catch the ball, catch a bunch of screens, sweeps, whatever they ask me to do, I’ll be able to do it. That’s just what I want to do.”
Here’s a first glimpse at Kentucky’s single-season record holder for catches and yards in his new uniform.
Josh Paschal, Detroit Lions
Josh Paschal reported to Detroit’s camp last Friday at 275 pounds. The Lions’ third pick in the draft, Paschal impressed his new employer over the weekend with his strength and physicality along the defensive line, where the former Kentucky star is having to learn a new scheme as the Lions move to a four-down front this offseason. Reports from camp say Paschal and fellow rookie EDGE Aiden Hutchinson, the No. 2 overall pick in the draft, are already bonding as a young tag team.
In one of Paschal’s first press conferences as a pro, he expressed disbelief in his NFL dream becoming a reality. “In 2018, people didn’t think I was going to play football again,” he told reporters.
Luke Fortner, Jacksonville Jaguars
Former Kentucky center Luke Fortner celebrated his 24th birthday on the final day of his rookie mini-camp in Jacksonville. In mini-camp conversations, the Jaguars’ third-round pick credited Kentucky’s one year with Liam Coen for his quick acclimation to the NFL. Fortner called Coen a “frickin’ genius” whose system has similarities with the Jaguars’ playbook. He also spoke highly of Mark Stoops.
As for his NFL debut, Fortner is expected to start right away at center.
Darian Kinnard, Kansas City Chiefs
Darian Kinnard slipped in the draft, but there is talk of the All-SEC tackle being a starter from Day 1 in Kansas City. The Chiefs need help protecting Patrick Mahomes and Kinnard is “soaking up everything he can” to be ready as soon as his number is called, whether at tackle or guard. Kinnard said he prefers right tackle, but he played both right and left in the Chiefs’ mini-camp over a week ago, in addition to looks at guard.
Kinnard has blue hair now too; although, he told reporters he intends to dye it red for his new team.
UNDRAFTED FREE AGENTS
Marquan McCall, Carolina Panther
Marquan McCall signed a UDFA deal with Carolina and will need to earn a full-time job in the Panthers’ rotation as a run-stopper. While he competes for a long-term contract, McCall will also be tasked with providing extra-crispy wings for Phil Hoskins, a fellow former Kentucky Wildcat in the locker room. Hoskins and McCall played two seasons together in Lexington.
Justin Rigg, Cincinnati Bengals
Justin Rigg has an opportunity in Cincinnati as the Bengals look for a tight end replacement for CJ Uzomah. There is a lot of unproven talent in the tight end room and Rigg, a Bengals fan, can play his way into the mix.
Yusuf Corker, New York Giants
Former Kentucky safety Yusuf Corker joined Wan’Dale Robinson in New York Giants rookie camp over the weekend as a UDFA signing. The Giants need help at safety and Corker will get a serious look along with potential veteran signings for depth. He’s off to a good start, picking off a pass in the Giants’ first day of OTAs.
Dare Rosenthal, Atlanta Falcons
Rosenthal had the fastest 40 (4.88 seconds) among offensive linemen at the NFL combine, but went undrafted on draft night. He was not announced as a Falcons signing but was scheduled to participate in Atlanta’s camp and compete for a spot on the 53-man.
Quandre Mosely, Dallas Cowboys
Down in Dallas, Quandre Mosley signed a UDFA deal to compete for a role with the Cowboys. Former Kentucky QB Terry Wilson was also in Dallas for mini-camp on a tryout.
Discuss This Article
Comments have moved.
Join the conversation and talk about this article and all things Kentucky Sports in the new KSR Message Board.
KSBoard