hero-image

NFL Draft expert's Kentucky football analysis: Insider notes and projections for Deone Walker, Barion Brown, and more

The UK football program has been on a straight shot north since Mark Stoops took over. The results have not only been witnessed in the win-loss column but also in draft rooms around the league.

The program has consistently placed players into the second day of the draft since 2019 and occasionally has a prospect sneak into the first round. Next April, they could have almost a handful of players who end up as top-90 picks.

Kentucky Wildcats' 2025 NFL Draft Preview

#1 Deone Walker

The Wildcats have had three players selected in the first round of the draft since 2015, and all of them were from the defensive side of the ball. Deone Walker could keep that trend going next April.

Deone Walker - Source: Imagn
Deone Walker - Source: Imagn

The junior is a massive space-eater in the middle of the line, using his 340-plus-pound frame to eat up blocks and occupy the gaps. Yet Walker is much more than a heavy-footed big man, as he has a lot of athleticism in his game as well as the ability to make plays on the ball.

He needs to polish his game and commit to year-long conditioning, yet Walker plays a priority position that is always desired come draft weekend.

#2 Jamon Dumas-Johnson

Jamon Dumas-Johnson made a somewhat unusual move transferring to UK from Georgia, yet the senior will strengthen an already strong Kentucky defense.

Jamon Dumas-Johnson- Source: Imagn
Jamon Dumas-Johnson- Source: Imagn

Despite struggling through an injury-plagued campaign that prematurely ended his season last year, Dumas-Johnson was productive and impactful for Georgia. He’s a stoutly built linebacker with next-level speed and the ability to play three downs.

#3 Barion Brown

Junior Barion Brown has been very productive at Kentucky the past two seasons, and he’s a reliable possession wideout with strong hands and great concentration.

Barion Brown - Source: Imagn
Barion Brown - Source: Imagn

While some believe he could be a first-round pick, I just don’t see the speed necessary or any outstanding physical attribute in his game required for a top-32 pick. Still, he’ll be a solid Day 2 prospect.

#4 Maxwell Hairston

Cornerback Maxwell Hairston shows a lot of ability in man coverage and solid coverage skills. He has potential in a variety of defensive schemes and projects nicely as a dime or even nickel back on Sundays.

Maxwell Hairston - Source: Imagn
Maxwell Hairston - Source: Imagn

Kentucky Wildcats' 2025 NFL Draft projections by Tony Pauline

Kentucky Pro Prospects

Grade

Rnd

Pos

Full Name

Yr

#

4.04

1st

DT

Deone Walker

3Jr

0

3.81

2nd

OLB

Jamon Dumas-Johnson

4Sr

10

3.63

3rd

WR

Barion Brown

3Jr

7

3.62

3rd

CB

Maxwell Hairston

4Jr

11

3.58

4th

WR

Dane Key

3Jr

6

3.44M

5th

T

Marques Cox

7Sr

69

3.38

6th

RB

DeaMonte Trayanum

5Sr

4

3.34

6th

ILB

D'Eryk Jackson

4Sr

54

3.32

6th

C

Eli Cox

6Sr

75

3.27

7th

ILB

J.J. Weaver

6Sr

13

3.19

FA

WR

Ja'Mori Maclin

5Sr

9

3.18

FA

T

Gerald Mincey

5Sr

54

2.85

FA

S

Zion Childress

5Sr

11

Also Read: Insider notes on NC State's 2025 NFL Draft Class: Projections for Anthony Belton, David Vann, and more

You may also like