Kentucky Wildcat Football: What happens next for our undrafted Wildcats?

The 2011 NFL draft has come and gone and Kentucky only saw one player drafted. Randall Cobb went a little later than expected (64 overall to the Packers), but he found a home in the league that should allow him to flourish.  So what is the outlook for some of Kentucky’s other players?

Derrick Locke – RB – 5’8 / 188 Hugo, OK

What happened?: Locke not getting picked in the draft came as a major surprise to most of us. While there were some clear concerns with his ability to stay healthy and some rumors about attitude concerns, I really thought he would he picked up in the fourth or fifth round.

What’s next?: Once the lockout is cleared up, Locke should be one of the first players signed. He’s not big, but he’s fast enough to provide someone with a gamebreaker returning kicks, punts, and as a third down back. Running backs have a good history of being contributors as undrafted free agents.

Odds of getting picked up: Great

Mike Hartline – QB – 6’5 / 205 – Canton, OH

What happened: There were some that though Hartline would be a late round pickup, but the general consensus is that he was a long shot to be drafted.

What’s next?: Hartline is a great candidate to get picked up by a team that needs a practice squad QB. He doesn’t have the strongest arm, but he’s smart ad he has plenty of experience playing against the best teams in the SEC.

Odds of getting picked up:  pretty good

Moncell Allen – FB – 5’7 / 235 – New Orleans, LA

What happened?: Allen is a fullback and his position made him unlikely to be drafted. There are typically 3-4 fullbacks drafted each year.

What’s next?: Trying out is something most fullbacks have to do and Allen will probably be no different. The odds are stacked against him because most teams only keep one to two fullbacks on the roster.

Odds of getting picked up?: Not good. Allen might find that his game is better suited for the UFL or Canada once he realizes that there are better opportunities there.

Chris Matthews – WR – 6’5 / 225 – Los Angeles, CA

What happened?: Matthews was a long shot to be drafted, but it wasn’t unfathomable.

What’s next?: Matthews has a dilemma ahead of him. He can stay at receiver and be a big redzone target or he can attempt to switch over to a H-back or tight end. His upside is higher as a tight end or H-back, but the transition will be tough for him.

Odds of getting picked up?: Fair. Matthews has size and speed, and you can’t coach either. Sticking on a roster will be up to him.

Ricky Lumpkin – DT – 6’3 / 310 – Clarksville, TN

What happened?: Lumpkin was not expected to be drafted.

What’s next?: Lumpkin will have to go though try outs if he hopes to get picked up. With his history of injuries, he’s along shot to play in the NFL, which sucks because he is one of the best people you could ever meet. I’ll cross my fingers for him anyway.

Odds of getting picked up?: Bad

DeQuin Evans – DE – 6’2 / 246 – Los Angeles, CA

What happened?: Evans was not projected to be drafted.

What’s next?: Evans is likely going to have to attend several tryout sessions if he hopes to play in the NFL. I actually think he has a decent shot at being invited to camp with a 3-4 team as an outside linebacker.

Odds of being picked up?: Fair

Once the collective bargaining gets straightened out a little more you should see teams really start to sign free agents in bunches. It will be interesting to see what happens to our former Cats over te next few months.

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