Kentucky Wildcats Poised to Extend NFL Draft Streak

Maxwell Hairston Projects as First-Round Fit for Buffalo

In the duo’s exhaustive mock draft spanning all 257 picks, Hairston was the first Kentucky player off the board. The Buffalo Bills selected him 30th overall, a projection that aligns with widespread assessments of his first-round potential. Hairston’s blend of size, athleticism, and coverage versatility makes him an appealing fit in Buffalo’s zone-heavy defensive scheme.

“The Bills do run a lot of off-coverage and cover-three,” said Sikkema. “Hairston would be the fit.” His selection would mark Kentucky’s fourth first-round pick during the Stoops era, placing him in the company of past standouts like Bud Dupree, Josh Allen, and Jamin Davis.

Deone Walker Slotted to Chargers as Late-Round Value

Walker, an interior force known for his disruptive presence in the trenches, was the second Wildcat selected in the mock draft. Rogers and Sikkema sent him to the Los Angeles Chargers with the 181st pick in the sixth round, a spot that may undersell his upside. Despite the late-round projection, Walker has the tools to contribute early in his career and could emerge as a rotational asset on the Chargers’ defensive line.

Draft Outlook and Stoops’ NFL Legacy

The mock draft left other Kentucky prospects—including center Eli Cox, linebacker Jamon Dumas-Johnson, and edge rusher J.J. Weaver—on the outside looking in. However, their chances of hearing their names called over the weekend remain very much alive. Since 2019, at least one Wildcat has been drafted each year, and the program’s high-water mark came in 2021 when six players were selected.

Over Stoops’ tenure, 28 Wildcats have entered the NFL through the draft. The New York Giants have been the most frequent destination, selecting three Kentucky players, including receiver Wan’Dale Robinson, who has emerged as a reliable target and playmaker. Eight other NFL teams have selected two Wildcats since Stoops took over, highlighting the program’s broad appeal across the league.

As the 2025 NFL Draft unfolds, Kentucky looks poised to extend its streak and reaffirm its position as a program capable of developing NFL-ready talent across multiple positions.