Kansas football standout could be drafted by team with former Jayhawks assistant

The Kansas football program has not sent much talent off to the NFL, largely in part due to the lack of success on the field. However, Lance Leipold has recruited some premier talent since arriving in Lawrence, and two or three Jayhawks expect to hear their names called on draft day this week.

One of those players is Dominick Puni, an offensive lineman who anchored a top rushing offense in the Big 12. He transferred to Kansas after playing three seasons at the University of Central Missouri and was a full-time starter in the trenches, playing left guard in 2022 and left tackle in 2023. He is projected to be drafted in the middle rounds of the draft and could go to a team he already has connections to.

Former Kansas football OL Dominick Puni has ties to the Tennessee Titans

Kansas football lost Scott Fuchs during the offseason, the OL coach while Puni was a Jayhawk. He took a job with the Titans as an assistant OL coach on the staff, and some mock drafts have Tennessee selecting the former KU star. Could Puni reunite with Fuchs in Nashville?

Puni did not allow a sack during his two years in Lawrence and excels in the run game. He displayed his versatility being able to start on both the outside and interior lines. However, he projects as an OG in the NFL due to his lack of athleticism. His technique and hands are considered his strength.

Under new HC Brian Callahan, the Titans do not necessarily need a new starting OG on the offensive line. However, he could be a rotational piece for Tennessee, who will eventually move on from starter Daniel Brunskill once his contract ends next year.

The No. 71 player on ESPN's NFL Draft Big Board, Tennessee would likely not be willing to take Puni with the No. 38 overall pick. However, if he drops to No. 106 or the front office makes a draft-day trade, the Titans are certainly a top destination for the former Jayhawk.