The 2024 Kentucky football team has some very good players on the roster. It’s expected that, barring injuries, they’ll have multiple players drafted next year, with a couple of potential first rounders. ESPN’s Matt Miller and Jordan Reid recently ranked their top five at each position, and the Wildcats had a couple of players mentioned.
The player most figure to be a first round pick is defensive lineman Deone Walker. Both Miller and Reid rank him as the number two defensive tackle in the class. Miller had this to say about him:
The Kentucky defensive tackle is huge (6-foot-6, 348 pounds) and reminds me of last year’s Outland Award winner, T’Vondre Sweat, in many ways. Like Sweat, Walker has to prove he can handle stacking run gaps and getting after the quarterback. His 7.5 sacks last season showed potential, but he must do more to be this class’ DT2. I’m projecting he will take that next step and emerge as an elite interior defender.
Related: Deone Walker a Walter Camp preseason All-American
Outside of Walker, the other Wildcat to be mentioned was center Eli Cox. A part of the veteran offensive line, Cox is poised to be the anchor in the middle. Reid mentions him as a player to watch.
Cox was a staple on Kentucky’s front last season, starting the first three games at guard before moving back to center. He is a tough and durable blocker at the point of attack, and his experience at all three interior line spots bodes well for the next level. The 6-foot-4, 311-pound Cox was more consistent at center, showcasing play strength and the ability to win quickly in short areas.
There are other players who missed the top five list, but who should be very good for Kentucky this season. The SEC is loaded, but the Cats have a talented team that could make some noise, and could be a factor in next year’s NFL draft.