NFL DRAFT: Four more Wildcats are headed to the NFL

Posted by Admin April 25, 2024 NFL

DETROIT, Mich. (WYMT) – Although no Wildcats were taken in the first or second rounds of this year’s draft, two Kentucky football players were selected in the third round on Friday night, marking the sixth straight year UK has had at least one player taken in the first three rounds, which has not happened since the 1975-80 drafts.

The first player from the Bluegrass to be drafted on the night was Western Kentucky WR Malachi Corley who was picked first in the third round (65 pick overall) by the New York Jets.

The first Wildcat to hear his name called was Andru Phillips (CB) who was the 70 pick to the New York Giants. Phillips racked up 48 total tackles in 2023. He had a season-high eight against Tennessee. In his career, Phillips totaled 82 career tackles along with 10 pass breakups and three tackles for loss.

Phillips is the 25th draftee who played for head coach Mark Stoops.

Joining Phillips in the third-round selections, Kentucky’s Trevin Wallace (LB) was chosen 72 overall and is headed to the Carolina Panthers. Wallace collected 80 total tackles in 2023. He also grabbed one interception against Florida. In his career, he totaled 166 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, five quarterback hurries, three interceptions, two forced fumbles and a pass breakup.

Wallace is the second Wildcat ever drafted by the Panthers. Phil Hoskins was the first in 2021.

In the fourth round, Kentucky RB Ray Davis was drafted by the Buffalo Bills with the 128th pick. Davis was a centerpiece of last year’s offense. The Vanderbilt transfer ran for 1,129 yards and 14 touchdowns, earning multiple awards throughout the season. Davis was also named a second-team All-American selection.

Finally, in the sixth round, Kentucky QB Devin Leary was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens with the 218th pick. The N.C. State transfer led the Wildcats under center in 2023. Leary threw for 2,746 yards and 25 touchdowns for UK.