Kentucky football’s first two picks in the 2024 NFL draft went within two selections of each other in the third round Friday. The New York Giants selected defensive back Andru Phillips at No. 70. Then at No. 72, the Carolina Panthers drafted UK linebacker Trevin Wallace. With the selections, UK has had at least one player drafted in the first three rounds for the the sixth consecutive year, tying a program record. The only other time Kentucky had at least one pick in the first three rounds in six straight years came from 1975 to 1980. Kentucky had seven players drafted in the first three rounds from 1975 to 1980.
Phillips and Wallace give UK 12 picks in the first three rounds since 2019, joining Jaguars linebacker Josh Allen (2019, first round), Texans cornerback Lonnie Johnson (2019, second round), Bills safety Mike Edwards (2019, third round), free agent wide receiver Lynn Bowden (2020, third round), Commanders linebacker Jamin Davis (2021, first round), Chiefs cornerback Kelvin Joseph (2021, second round), Giants wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson (2022, second round), Lions defensive lineman Josh Paschal (2022, second round), Jaguars center Luke Fortner (2022, third round) and Titans quarterback Will Levis (2023, second round).
Few would have predicted Phillips would be the player to extend that streak for much of the 2023 season. Phillips began to impress late in the 2022 season when he took over responsibilities as the Wildcats’ top nickel back, but he moved to cornerback in 2023, winning one of two open starting jobs at the position. He was largely overshadowed in 2023 by fellow cornerback Maxwell Hairston, who tied for the SEC lead in interceptions, so it came as a surprise to many when he elected to forgo his final season of eligibility to declare for the NFL draft in December. His 47 tackles, 1 1/2 tackles for loss and five pass breakups hardly foreshadowed an early entry to the draft, but Phillips’ steadily rose up draft ranking lists with strong performances at the Senior Bowl, NFL combine and UK’s pro day.
Phillips was clocked at 4.48 seconds in the 40-yard dash at the combine. His 11-foot, 3-inch broad jump ranked second among all cornerbacks in Indianapolis. His 42-inch vertical jump ranked third at the position.
“There’s a lot of things that are good about Dru,” UK coach Mark Stoops said at the school’s pro day. “No. 1, he’s competitive as heck. He’s got the physical traits that you’re looking for, but he’s very competitive. He’s also very versatile. It’s very hard to play inside, play that nickel/slot position and cover the type of wideouts that you have to cover. “You also have to do a lot of different techniques. As you’ve heard me talk about through the years, there’s a lot of nuances to that position. So, it takes a bright guy who also has some instincts. Dru has that, and he can also jump outside and hold up at corner at the next level.” Phillips’ selection continues Kentucky’s recent success sending defensive backs to the NFL.
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