Pair of Jayhawks hoping to hear their names called at NFL Draft

There have been just two Kansas football players selected in the NFL Draft the past three seasons, but that total could be matched this year if all goes well for a couple of former Jayhawks.

Linebacker Lonnie Phelps Jr. and offensive tackle Earl Bostick Jr. both appear to have a chance to hear their names called during the upcoming NFL Draft.

The pair of Jayhawks were two of the best for Kansas last year.

Phelps was named AP All-Big 12 Second Team following his lone season in Lawrence this past year when he racked up 57 total tackles (45 solo) and 7 sacks. He finished his four-year college career with 114 total tackles and 23 sacks.

Bostick played a total of six years in a Kansas uniform and had perhaps his best year as a super-senior this past season. He was part of an offensive line that finished tied for seventh in the country in sacks allowed (12) and he was named All-Big 12 Honorable Mention at season’s end.

Both players have shown the ability to play at the next level, and it would be great for the KU program to have a couple more Jayhawks in the pros.

Here’s a look at where things stand for Phelps and Bostick heading into the draft next week.

Lonnie Phelps Jr.

It’s almost a certainty that Phelps is going to get drafted – the question is when.

ESPN currently lists Phelps as the ninth-best outside linebacker available in this year’s draft and the No. 147-best player available overall. That makes him a Day 3 pick (most likely in the fourth or fifth round) when it’s all said and done.

The last Jayhawk to be taken in the fourth round or higher was defensive end Dorance Armstrong Jr. in the 2018 NFL Draft.

Pro Football Focus has Phelps rated as the No. 187-ranked player on their Big Board – meaning they see him as a fifth or possibly sixth round selection.

Most draft profiles talk about Phelps’ relentless motor and effort when he’s on the field, which should at the very least make him an attractive special teams addition for several NFL teams.

But his ability to rush the passer is something every NFL team could use, even if it’s in a reserve capacity. That is what ultimately makes him a sure bet to get drafted.

Expect to hear Phelps’ name called (hopefully early) next Saturday on Day 3 of the NFL Draft.

Earl Bostick Jr.

Unlike Phelps, Bostick’s NFL Draft hopes are a little more uncertain.

ESPN has Bostick as their No. 24-ranked offensive tackle prospect and No. 320 prospect overall.  Pro Football Focus has Bostick listed just slightly higher as the No. 310-ranked player on their Big Board.

The problem is, there are only 259 draft picks available – meaning most draft analysts view Bostick as a likely undrafted free agent. However, that isn’t always a bad thing for players near the bottom of the totem pole because that means they can be more selective with where they want to play, versus having to play wherever they get drafted.

There isn’t a whole lot of difference in terms of career potential for players who are undrafted free agents versus those taken in the sixth or seventh rounds.

But perhaps one team sees the potential in adding an experienced starter like Bostick and takes a flier on him in the latest rounds. Either way, he will end up on an NFL roster.

And no matter what happens next week, both Bostick and Phelps will have the support of Jayhawk fans wherever they end up landing. Once a Jayhawk, always a Jayhawk.