Kentucky football corner Carrington Valentine selected by Green Bay Packers with No. 232 pick in 2023 NFL Draft
Kentucky defensive back Carrington Valentine (14) celebrates after a sack during the University of Kentucky vs. South Carolina football game on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021, at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, South Carolina. UK won 16-10. Photo by Jack Weaver | Staff
April 29, 2023
Kentucky football cornerback Carrington Valentine was selected by the Green Bay Packers with the No. 232 pick in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft on Saturday.
A native of Cincinnati, Ohio, Valentine spent three seasons at Kentucky and started in 25 games.
He was a key piece of Brad White’s defense that was viewed amongst the best in the nation by many and he quickly grew into a standout player that had gained enough recognition to declare early for the draft.
During his career he made 119 tackles, which includes three for loss, 16 pass breakups, one interception, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.
A two-time SEC Fall Academic Honor Roll member, Valentine was top ten in the SEC in passes defended in the 2022 season with ten pass breakups and one interception.
According to NFL.com Valentine, who measured in at six-feet and weighed 193 pounds, had a prospect grade of 5.68 and recorded a vertical jump of 39 inches at the NFL Combine.
NFL analyst Lance Zierlein also commended Valentine’s athletic frame and his ability to handle press and bail coverages.
Now turning his sights toward his professional career, Valentine will look to make an impact in Green Bay amongst the likes of former Packers draft picks such as Iowa defensive end Lukas Van Ness, Oregon State tight end Luke Musgrave and Michigan State wide receiver Jayden Reed.
