The NFL Draft is one of the most anticipated events on the football calendar, and with every passing year, the spotlight grows brighter on college programs that consistently produce next-level talent. In the latest seven-round mock draft released by Pro Football Focus (PFF), several players from the Kentucky Wildcats were featured, affirming the program’s growing reputation for developing NFL-ready prospects.
While the Wildcats may not always receive the same national attention as powerhouse programs like Alabama or Georgia, there’s no denying the strides the Kentucky football program has made under head coach Mark Stoops. Year after year, the Wildcats have seen more and more players hear their names called on draft weekend, and this year looks to be no different. According to PFF’s projections, multiple Wildcats are expected to be selected, spanning various rounds and positions — a testament to the depth and versatility that has come to define Kentucky’s rosters in recent seasons.
The headliner from Kentucky in PFF’s mock is offensive lineman Kenneth Horsey, who has become a fan favorite in Lexington not only for his play on the field but also for his perseverance off of it. Horsey’s story is one of resilience. After undergoing open-heart surgery early in his college career, many doubted whether he’d ever play again. Not only did he return, but he developed into one of the SEC’s most dependable interior linemen. PFF projected Horsey as a fifth-round selection, emphasizing his strong technique, football IQ, and experience against elite SEC competition. Scouts have lauded Horsey’s leadership and consistency, noting that he could become a long-term starter at guard in the NFL.
Next up is Trevin Wallace, a linebacker with explosive traits and sideline-to-sideline speed. PFF slotted Wallace into the fourth round, highlighting his athleticism and potential as a three-down linebacker at the next level. Wallace was a tackling machine for the Wildcats, showcasing a blend of instincts and closing speed that made him a standout on film. Though raw in certain areas, particularly in coverage assignments, his upside is undeniable. Teams in need of athleticism in the middle of their defense are reportedly enamored with Wallace’s ceiling, and he could carve out an early role on special teams while developing into a starting linebacker within a year or two.
Another Kentucky standout expected to hear his name called is wide receiver Barion Brown, a dynamic playmaker with elite speed and return ability. While PFF projected Brown to go in the third round, there’s chatter in NFL circles that his stock could rise even higher depending on team needs and pre-draft workouts. Brown turned heads during his time in Lexington with his ability to stretch the field vertically and make defenders miss in space. In today’s NFL, where explosive plays are at a premium, Brown’s skill set is especially valuable. Teams view him as a potential slot weapon who can also serve as a dangerous kick returner. The combination of speed, agility, and open-field vision makes him one of the most exciting prospects to come out of Kentucky in recent memory.
Kentucky’s defensive backfield also gets some shine in PFF’s mock, with Andru Phillips projected as a sixth-round selection. A versatile cornerback with experience playing both outside and in the slot, Phillips brings a physical edge to his game that NFL teams love. His footwork, anticipation, and ability to mirror receivers in man coverage were consistently on display throughout the 2023 season. While he may not have the elite top-end speed or length of some of his peers, Phillips compensates with technique and toughness. He’s drawn comparisons to nickel defenders who’ve carved out long careers by being reliable, intelligent, and fearless. If he lands in the right system, Phillips has the potential to become a valuable rotational player and special teams contributor early in his career.
One of the more intriguing projections in PFF’s mock was Deone Walker, a mammoth defensive tackle who has been rising steadily on draft boards. PFF placed Walker in the second round, noting his rare combination of size, power, and surprising quickness for a player of his stature. At over 6-foot-6 and 350 pounds, Walker commands double teams and disrupts offensive lines with regularity. His presence in the middle of Kentucky’s defense was critical, especially against top-tier SEC offenses. Though still developing his pass-rushing arsenal, Walker’s ability to anchor against the run and collapse the pocket makes him an ideal fit for teams running a 3-4 or hybrid front. Some scouts believe he could sneak into the back end of the first round if a team falls in love with his upside and physical traits.
Offensive tackle Jeremy Flax also appeared in the mock as a projected seventh-round pick. Flax, who started multiple games at right tackle, is a physically imposing lineman with a strong base and solid run-blocking ability. His foot speed and pass protection technique have room for improvement, but teams are always on the lookout for developmental offensive tackles who can contribute down the line. Flax is viewed as a high-upside flier in the later rounds — someone who could benefit greatly from NFL coaching and eventually compete for a backup role or swing tackle spot.
Rounding out the Kentucky selections in PFF’s mock is Jordan Dingle, a tight end who showcased flashes of big-play ability in limited opportunities. Dingle, projected as a sixth-round pick, has prototypical size for the position and a willingness to block that will earn him favor with NFL coaches. His hands and route-running are still developing, but he’s considered a high-effort player with good football instincts. In a class not overly deep at tight end, Dingle’s versatility and work ethic could make him an appealing late-round addition for teams looking to shore up depth at the position.
Each of these Wildcats brings something unique to the table, and collectively, they underscore the balanced approach Kentucky has taken in recruiting and development. It’s not just about sending one or two stars to the league; it’s about building a culture where players across all position groups are equipped to succeed at the next level.
What’s especially impressive is the range of roles these Kentucky players could fill. From trench warriors like Horsey and Walker to speed merchants like Brown and technicians like Phillips, there’s a little bit of everything in this class. NFL teams value versatility and adaptability, and the Wildcats’ representatives in this mock draft have shown they can adapt, grow, and perform under pressure.
It’s also worth noting the impact that Kentucky’s coaching staff has had on these players’ trajectories. Mark Stoops, a defensive-minded coach by trade, has consistently fielded tough, disciplined teams that reflect his values. He’s assembled a staff that knows how to develop raw talent into polished performers — a key reason why more and more NFL scouts are making regular trips to Lexington. Whether it’s fine-tuning mechanics, building football IQ, or preparing players for the mental grind of the NFL, Kentucky’s program has earned a reputation for doing things the right way.
For Kentucky fans, this mock draft is both a celebration of the present and a preview of the future. Seeing so many Wildcats projected to be drafted is a testament to how far the program has come — and a promising sign of what’s still to come. Recruits take notice of these things, and for young players deciding where to take their talents, knowing that Kentucky can get them to the league is a powerful draw.
As the NFL Draft draws closer, these projections will continue to evolve. Workouts, pro days, team visits, and interviews can all shift draft boards in unpredictable ways. But regardless of where these players ultimately land, they’ve already proven that they belong in the conversation. They’ve battled through the SEC gauntlet, shown resilience in the face of adversity, and done it all while representing the blue and white with pride.
From early-round talents like Walker and Brown to late-round sleepers like Flax and Dingle, the 2025 NFL Draft looks set to feature a strong Kentucky flavor. And with the program continuing to trend upward, don’t be surprised if even more Wildcats follow in their footsteps in the years to come.