Kansas football: Lonnie Phelps is an intriguing Day 3 draft selection

Defensive end Lonnie Phelps was one of KU’s best defensive players in 2022.

Kansas football does not boast the amount of professional talent that its basketball team does, but there are always a few Jayhawks in the NFL Draft conversation every season. In 2023, Earl Bostick Jr. and Lonnie Phelps could be selected in the later rounds.

Phelps participated in the NFL Scouting Combine a few days ago. In doing so, he elevated his draft stock tremendously. He impressed scouts with his speed and aggression off the edge.

The sack leader for Kansas in 2022, Phelps played his first three years of school at Miami (Ohio). After announcing that he was transferring to play in Lawrence for his final year of school, his presence was immediately felt on the Jayhawks’ defensive line. Other categories that he led the team in are tackles for loss, which he recorded 11.5 of.

Phelps posted some excellent numbers in the Combine. His 40-yard dash was timed at 4.55 seconds, which is impressive for a defensive lineman. He also led all edge rushers in bench press reps, displaying his incredible strength at his size. The issue in his scouting report differs from his athleticism, in which he scored 6th of all edge rushers in the event.

He recorded the 18th-best total score of all edge rushers that participated. This would give Phelps a good shot at being a 6th or 7th-round draft choice.

His main problem lies in how he can defend the run. Standing at 6′ 2″, 244 pounds, he does not offer exceptional size for an NFL-caliber lineman. Phelps’ frame might be an issue against bigger and stronger offensive tackles. He possesses many physical tools, but his pass-rushing moves must improve considerably because he is a liability in the run game.

An overall prospect grade of 6.14 leaves something to be desired. Still, they project him to be a good NFL backup with the potential to transform himself into a starter.

Many mock drafts have Phelps falling to the 7th round or not being drafted. If he goes undrafted, a team will inevitably scoop him up as a free agent.

Ex-Jayhawk Kyron Johnson, a fellow edge rusher, kept his roster spot all season with the Philadelphia Eagles, the Super Bowl runner-ups. He was chosen with the 181st overall pick in the 6th round. A similar scenario could be in play for Phelps if a team thinks he has the tools to become a special player. Keep your ears open during Day 3 of the NFL Draft to hear his name being called.