Marquan McCall, right, could be a draft pick for UK in 2022. (SEC Photo)
Vince Marrow was thrilled that Kentucky had six NFL draft picks this year — even though he thought there easily could have been two more — but the UK recruiting coordinator doesn’t think there will be a drop in numbers for the Cats at the 2022 draft.
“I think Josh Paschal and Marquan McCall can be one of the best tandems in the SEC on the D-line,” Marrow said. “I think Josh Paschal can move himself way up the draft boards.
“He could’ve came out this year and he would’ve been a fourth or fifth round guy. Josh Paschal is going to be something. We have a couple guys next year, just trust me.”
He rattled off the names of offensive tackle Darian Kinnard, linebacker DeAndre Square, offensive lineman Luke Fortner, and receivers Josh Ali and Wan’Dale Robinson as likely 2022 draft picks. He calls junior Chris Rodriguez the best running back in the nation who could be a draft pick if he gives up his final year at UK like Robinson could do.
He also believes he has three tight ends — Justin Rigg, Keaton Upshaw, and Brenden Bates— who could be draft picks.
“We do have three NFL tight ends on our roster and we will catch the ball this year. They are a big part of the Big Blue Wall but we are going to have more of a traditional pro-style offense. I really do believe we will have a player (tight end) catch 30 balls this year,” he said.
“I really think we will have six or seven guys for sure drafted next year not counting guys who might come out early,” Marrow said.
