Forecasting where Kansas State Wildcats football players will land in 2023 NFL Draft

This figures to be a busy week for Kansas State’s latest batch of NFL Draft hopefuls.

There is a chance the Wildcats will produce their first Round 1 selection since 2009. It might also be possible for them to match or exceed their highest number of picks in a single draft since 2003, when four K-State football players heard their names called.

With that in mind, let’s forecast where each of K-State’s former players could end up later this week as the 2023 NFL Draft gets underway at Union Station in Kansas City.

Potential first-round picks

Felix Anudike-Uzomah: Any team looking to improve its pass rush will be interested in the 6-foot-4 and 255-pound defensive end who recorded 20.5 sacks during his time at K-State. He possesses an impressive mixture of both speed and power, which should make him an impact defender in the NFL.

Most mock drafts project him to go early in the second round, but some predict him as a first-rounder.

Projection: Round 2.

Julius Brents: He was never the biggest star on his college teams, but few defensive players in this draft have a high NFL ceiling than Brents. The 6-foot-4 and 202-pound cornerback is tall and athletic for his position. He can defend any wide receiver or tight end regardless of body type.

Much like Anudike-Uzomah, he could hear his name called on Thursday or Friday. It just depends on which teams are looking to draft a defensive back in that window. ESPN thinks he could be a first-round pick.

Projection: Round 2.

Middle-round possibilities

Deuce Vaughn: Some will question his size, but even at 5-foot-5 it is hard to envision a scenario in which NFL teams aren’t looking to pick Deuce Vaughn in one of the middle rounds. After rushing for 3,604 yards and 34 touchdowns during his three seasons at K-State, and twice earning All-America honors, he figures to make a valuable scatback as a rookie.

Not only can he run between the tackles for big yardage, he is also excellent at catching the ball out of the backfield and offers upside as a return specialist. He could be a valuable weapon for a creative offensive coordinator.

You can find him anywhere from Round 4 to Round 7 on mock drafts. If he lands in the middle of those projections, he could hear his name called early on Saturday.

Projection: Round 5.

Late-round hopefuls

Ekow Boye-Doe: The speedy cornerback was not viewed as a NFL Draft prospect until he ran the 40-yard dash in under 4.3 seconds at K-State’s pro day. Just like that, he was suddenly on a few radars.

Boye-Doe was a steady presence on K-State’s defense for several years. It won’t be a surprise if someone uses a late pick on him.

Projection: Round 7.

Malik Knowles: Little has been reported about Malik Knowles since he measured at the NFL Draft Scouting Combine. But the 6-foot-2 wide receiver remains a draft prospect because of the athleticism he showed at K-State. Knowles was not only Chris Klieman’s top passing threat over the past two seasons but he also helped the Wildcats as a running back on gadget plays and as a kick returner.

He could hear his name called in the final rounds or become a priority undrafted free agent.

Projection: UDFA.

Ty Zentner: K-State football coach Chris Klieman said earlier this month that several NFL teams have traveled into Manhattan and watched Ty Zentner work out. The punter/kicker is perhaps the most versatile special teams player in the entire draft. Any team looking to upgrade its kicking game could take him late on Saturday.

Projection: UDFA.

Josh Hayes: Though he has generated little buzz, there is no denying that Josh Hayes was an excellent college safety. He should have an opportunity to make a NFL roster next season, either as a draft pick or as a free agent.

Projection: UDFA.

The long shots

The most exciting part of the NFL Draft from a K-State perspective may be what happens after Mr. Irrelevant is picked on Saturday afternoon.

A small army of former Wildcats should get looks from NFL teams as undrafted free agents. At the very least, upwards of a dozen players should end up getting invited to a rookie camp somewhere.

It will be interesting to see what kind of opportunities exist for Drake Cheatum, Robert Hentz, Jaylen Pickle, Adrian Martinez and Kade Warner.

Many of them will likely get a NFL look, even if they are not drafted.