Kentucky football final NFL Mock Draft: Ray Davis with a chance to start as a rookie

Mark Stoops hasn't produced a first-round prospect for the 2024 NFL Draft, but he may be giving the league two impact starters and a third who could play in a pinch.
Kentucky Wildcats running back Ray Davis (1)
Kentucky Wildcats running back Ray Davis (1) / Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
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There have been three first-round picks to come out of Kentucky since Mark Stoops took over in 2013. All three were linebackers, Bud Dupree, Josh Allen, and Jamin Davis. This year doesn’t have any first-round prospects, but could still produce impact starters on both sides of the ball. 

Will Levis, a quarterback built like a linebacker, nearly joined that group of first-rounders a year ago before sliding down to No. 33. This year, Kentucky should have another transfer quarterback selected, one of three prospects entering the NFL who are likely to hear their names called in Detroit. 

Kentucky had six players invited to the NFL Combine, but Jeremy Flax, Tayvion Robinson, and Tayvion Robinson are likely to go undrafted.

Andru Phillips. 42. . . Cornerback. 63. player. Andru Phillips. Round 2 Pick 63. Andru Phillips

Andru Phillips doesn’t have great size or elite athleticism, but he does provide versatility which will face teams falling in love with him. Phillips primarily played on the outside for Kentucky, but also played 223 snaps in the slot last year and is a good enough tackler to survive around the line of scrimmage at 5-foot-10 190 pounds. 

He’ll thrive in San Francisco’s zone scheme and give the 49ers some much-needed depth in the secondary. If Phillips does start to slide into the third round or even later, it’ll likely be because of his lack of ball skills. 

Last season, Phillips only broke up six passes with no interceptions despite being targeted 57 times. He only allowed 38 receptions, but won’t force turnovers in the league and despite great coverage, could lose at the catch point regularly.