Former Kentucky Wildcats Shine in NFL Training Camps, Turn Heads with Interceptions in What’s Being Called a Defensive “Pick Party”

NFL training camps are underway, and a surprising yet exciting narrative is unfolding: former Kentucky Wildcats are making waves defensively, particularly in the secondary. With a flurry of interceptions across several camps, these ex-‘Cats have turned the preseason grind into a full-blown “Pick Party”—and NFL coaches, teammates, and fans are taking notice.

In recent seasons, Kentucky has quietly become a breeding ground for elite defensive backs, especially under head coach Mark Stoops, a former DB himself. The trend has only strengthened in 2025. This summer, former Wildcats like Carrington Valentine (Green Bay Packers), Kelvin Joseph (Miami Dolphins), and Andru Phillips (New York Giants) are not just holding their own—they’re dominating the defensive highlight reels.

Let’s break down who’s doing what, and how Kentucky’s NFL legacy continues to flourish through these standout camp performances.

Carrington Valentine Leads Packers’ Young Secondary Surge

Carrington Valentine, a seventh-round steal for the Packers in 2023, is proving his rookie season was just the beginning. Entering his third year, Valentine has been a ball-hawking menace during Green Bay’s 2025 training camp.

In one of the team’s early padded practices, Valentine picked off Jordan Love not once, but twice—one of which he returned for a would-be touchdown. His reads, recovery speed, and improved hand technique have made him one of the breakout players of camp.

Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley praised Valentine’s rise, stating, “Carrington has taken the next step. He’s smart, aggressive, and he trusts what he sees. That’s a dangerous combo.”

Valentine attributes his success to his preparation and the Kentucky culture: “Coach Stoops drilled the fundamentals into us every single day. I learned to stay locked in and hungry. That mindset’s never left.”

Kelvin Joseph Finding New Life with the Miami Dolphins

Kelvin Joseph’s NFL journey has been rocky. Drafted in the second round by Dallas in 2021, inconsistency and injuries derailed his early career. Now with the Dolphins, Joseph is embracing a fresh start—and it’s showing.

At Miami’s camp, Joseph has been flashing the elite ball skills that once made him a five-star recruit. In one scrimmage, he undercut a slant route from Jaylen Waddle for an interception, and he’s repeatedly broken up passes in tight windows.

Miami defensive backs coach Sam Madison said, “Kelvin’s playing with confidence and swagger. You can tell he’s hungry to prove people wrong.”

Joseph’s turnaround is rooted in returning to his Kentucky habits: “At UK, we played with an edge. I had to rediscover that. Now I’m just focused on flying around and making plays.”

Andru Phillips Impressing Giants Coaches as Rookie Standout

Andru Phillips, a 2024 third-round draft pick of the New York Giants, may be the newest Wildcat in the NFL spotlight, but he’s wasting no time making an impact.

Giants camp insiders say Phillips has been one of the top rookie performers. He recorded an acrobatic interception in a red-zone drill, knocking the ball out of the air with one hand before toe-tapping inbounds—a play that drew roars from teammates and earned viral status on social media.

Head coach Brian Daboll said, “Andru’s instincts are beyond his years. He’s going to be a big part of what we do defensively.”

Phillips credits the Kentucky system for preparing him to adapt quickly: “Coach Clinkscale and Coach Buffano at UK taught us how to read offenses and be students of the game. That’s what’s helping me adjust.”

“Pick Party” Goes Viral Across NFL and Kentucky Circles

As these former Wildcats pile up the interceptions, NFL fans and Kentucky faithful alike have dubbed the phenomenon the “Pick Party.”

On social media, Kentucky’s official football account has leaned into the hype, posting highlights with the caption: “Another day, another pick. #BBNFL #PickParty.”

Fans have embraced it too. One popular tweet from a UK fan read, “DBU? Don’t sleep on Kentucky. These boys are turning NFL camps into turnover clinics. Love to see it.”

Even Coach Stoops chimed in during a recent media session: “I’m proud of those guys. It doesn’t surprise me. They were ballers here, and they’re proving it now. That’s what we do—we develop pros.”

Kentucky’s Defensive Pipeline Runs Deep

The Wildcats’ recent NFL success on defense is no fluke. Since 2019, Kentucky has produced more than a dozen defensive backs who have signed with or been drafted by NFL teams. This includes the likes of:

• Mike Edwards (Tampa Bay Buccaneers, now with Kansas City Chiefs)

• Lonnie Johnson Jr. (multiple teams, now with New Orleans)

• Yusuf Corker (Free agent with preseason buzz)

This consistency speaks volumes about the player development in Lexington. Kentucky’s DBs are known for being technically sound, physical, and intelligent—all traits that translate at the pro level.

Building a Legacy for Future Wildcats

The success of players like Valentine, Joseph, and Phillips is about more than individual glory—it’s laying a foundation for future Wildcats to follow.

Recruits are taking notice. Kentucky’s current commits and targets in the 2026 and 2027 classes have shared Pick Party highlights, commenting on the “UK to NFL” pipeline.

Top 2026 cornerback prospect Marcus Gentry tweeted, “Y’all see what UK DBs doing in the league? Might be time to take a visit…”

The narrative shift is critical for Kentucky football, which has long played second fiddle to basketball in terms of prestige. But with Stoops’ continued emphasis on defense and NFL development, that gap is narrowing.

What Comes Next for These NFL Wildcats

With preseason games approaching, the pressure will ramp up, and the spotlight will grow even brighter. But if training camp is any indication, these Kentucky alums are ready to deliver.

• Carrington Valentine is a projected starter for the Packers and could be poised for a breakout year.

• Kelvin Joseph is fighting for a roster spot in Miami, but his playmaking ability could earn him a key role in sub-packages.

• Andru Phillips is trending toward earning snaps early in his rookie campaign, potentially as a nickel corner.

If they continue this pace, don’t be surprised to see more interceptions—and more Wildcats dominating NFL Sundays.

The “Pick Party” isn’t just a catchy nickname—it’s a testament to the culture Mark Stoops has built in Lexington. The former Kentucky Wildcats making headlines in NFL training camps are more than just impressive athletes; they’re proof of a program that develops talent the right way.

With a new wave of defensive stars emerging at the collegiate level and more alumni shining at the professional stage, Kentucky is earning a well-deserved reputation as a powerhouse for defensive backs.

And if this summer is any indication, the party is just getting started.