Kentucky football has done an noteworthy job at producing NFL talent in the Mark Stoops era and that trend will continue into the 2024 season as 20 former Wildcats made NFL rosters following the preseason.
Three of the four Kentucky players who saw their names called in the 2024 NFL Draft are among them: Andru Phillips of the New York Giants, Trevin Wallace of the Carolina Panthers and Ray Davis of the Buffalo Bills.
Davis, in particular, should be a fun player for Wildcat fans to keep up with this season, as the former fifth round pick is the second running back on Buffalo’s depth chart after averaging 4.6 rushing yards per attempt in the preseason.
In addition, Phillips is listed as the Giants’ starting nickelback to begin the season, so he will likely see a fair amount of playing time as a rookie.
Quarterback Devin Leary, who started for the Cats last season, was also taken in the sixth round by the Baltimore Ravens this year, but was cut and re-signed to the practice squad following the preseason.
The other two players from the 2023 squad that earned roster spots are tight end Brenden Bates and offensive tackle Jeremy Flax.
Bates was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Chicago Bears and had an impressive preseason, but was waived and then signed by the New York Jets to their 53-man roster. Flax was waived by the Minnesota Vikings following the preseason but was tagged with an injury designation after clearing waivers, which reverts him to the team’s injured reserve.
As for players from before 2023, one notable name that made an NFL roster for the first time is safety Keidron Smith.
Smith signed with the Miami Dolphins after the 2023 Draft and also spent time on the Washington Commanders’ practice squad before joining the practice squad of the Denver Broncos in December 2023. After recording two interceptions, a forced fumble and two passes defended in the 2024 preseason, he earned a spot on the Broncos’ 53-man roster.
Former Cats who are set to have starting roles this season include Phillips, Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis, Giants receiver Wan’Dale Robinson and two Pro Bowl defensive ends: Josh Hines-Allen of the Jacksonville Jaguars and Za’Darius Smith of the Cleveland Browns.
Levis especially could have a breakout year under new head coach Brian Callahan and a revamped offensive line, and it showed in the preseason where he went 11-for-13 with 153 yards.
Robinson, who caught 104 passes for 1,334 yards in his lone season as a Wildcat, is another emerging star who could have an exciting year and step into a bigger role after multiple key players walked away in the offseason.
Last season, he led the Giants in receptions and ranked third on the team in receiving yards despite only having started eight games and many experts feel he is poised for a breakout year.
In addition to the former Cats that made 53-man rosters, others were signed to practice squads after final roster cuts were made.
Among those on practice squads are Leary and Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr., who ranks second in program history in career rushing yards.
Overall, there is a plethora of talent among former Kentucky stars in the NFL, and fans have a great number of players to keep up with while Stoops continues to develop players into NFL material.
