Three Cats Drafted - Eight In NFL Camps

UK notebook: Three drafted, eight in camp

Chip Cosby / Herald-Leader Staff Writer

The NFL Draft came and went last week with three former University of Kentucky players getting their names called: defensive tackle Corey Peters (third round, Atlanta Falcons) cornerback Trevard Lindley (fourth round, Philadelphia Eagles) and Screw John Conner (fifth round, New York Jets).

UK announced that four other Wildcats signed free-agent deals: tight end T.C. Drake (Kansas City Chiefs), offensive tackle Justin Jeffries (San Diego Chargers), offensive lineman Zipp Duncan (Philadelphia Eagles) and tailback Alfonso Smith (Arizona Cardinals).
Peters and Jeffries will report to mini-camp next weekend, while the others reported last week.

One Wildcat who was expected to get drafted but was not was linebacker Micah Johnson. Johnson reported to the New York Giants mini-camp this weekend with hopes of making the team. Johnson, who's not listed on the roster, didn't officially sign a contract in order to leave his options open in case the Giants don't work out. Johnson didn't return calls.

Here's a look at the eight Wildcats and their prospects with their respective teams.

Peters: The Falcons currently have five tackles ahead of Peters: returning starters Jonathan Babineaux and Thomas Johnson, and reserves Vance Walker, Trey Lewis and Peria Jerry. But Peters will have a chance to move quickly up the depth chart, as none of the tackles outside of Babineaux set the world on fire. Jerry, a first-round pick in 2009, missed his rookie season with a knee injury.

Lindley: The Eagles are known for churning out All-Pro caliber defensive backs, and Lindley will have a chance to settle in as a nickel back behind Pro Bowler Asante Samuel and Ellis Hobbs.

CONNER: The Jets seem like a perfect fit for Conner. They rely on a physical running game, and Conner figures to be groomed as a replacement for 15-year veteran Tony Richardson.

Drake: Drake would seem to have an uphill battle to make the Chiefs squad considering they return starter Leonard Pope plus backups Brad Cottam, Jake O'Connell and third-round pick Tony Moeaki.

Jeffries: The Chargers definitely need help on the offensive line, as they struggled to open holes in the running game and protect quarterback Philip Rivers. The Chargers didn't take a lineman in the draft, so Jeffries could stick as a backup tackle.

Smith: The Cardinals have their rotation set with Beanie Wells, Tim Hightower and LaRod Stephens-Howling. Smith may have to beat out veteran Jason Wright for the fourth running back spot, but the Cardinals didn't draft a running back and Smith's special teams prowess will help his cause.

Duncan: Duncan, who started at left tackle during his senior season at UK, will be a guard with the Eagles. One thing that will help Duncan: The Eagles drafted 13 players without taking an offensive lineman.

Johnson: It was no secret that the Giants needed help at linebacker, especially after releasing Antonio Pierce in the off-season. The Giants spent two draft picks on linebackers: Phillip Dillard (Nebraska, fourth round) and Adrian Tracy (William and Mary, seventh round).

Ironically enough, Pierce was an undrafted rookie who went on to have a nine-year career with the Washington Redskins and the Giants.