LEXINGTON, Ky. – Two rotation players from the University of Kentucky’s record-breaking 2018 football squad will have a shot to make NFL rosters after not being picked in the NFL …
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LEXINGTON, Ky. – Two rotation players from the University of Kentucky’s record-breaking 2018 football squad will have a shot to make NFL rosters after not being picked in the NFL draft.
Cornerback Chris Westry has signed a non-drafted rookie contract with the Dallas Cowboys. Wide receiver Dorian Baker has signed with the Cleveland Browns. UK announced both deals via Twitter.
“I went to do a workout with them before the draft and they told me they wanted me if I didn’t get drafted,” said Westry. “Now, I just keep working out and and training to be ready when I report.”
Westry, an Oakleaf High School graduate, lost his starting job to second-round pick Lonnie Johnson as a junior but remained a key member of Kentucky’s cornerback rotation, totaling 21 tackles with one sack and two pass breakups in 13 games as a senior. He totaled 15 pass breakups and three interceptions in 51 games at Kentucky.
Westry, who has donned number 21 for his four years at Kentucky, thought that he may have to change his jersey number in Dallas.
“Zeke (veteran running back Ezekiel Elliott) has been 21 for a long time,” said Westry. “Whatever number they give me, I’m good with it as long as I make the team.”
At 6-foot-4, 199 pounds, Westry, who signed a three year deal with the Cowboys, ran an unofficial 4.31-second 40-yard dash at UK’s pro day. That time would have ranked second among cornerbacks at the NFL combine. Westry was not invited to the official NFL Combine, but excelled at the UK Pro Day.
Dallas currently has eight players for cornerback including Westry with All Pro Byron Jones having hip surgery during the off season unlikely to be on the field through the summer.
The read on Westry and fellow rookie Michael Jackson, a fifth round draft pick from the University of Miami, is that both are “more prototypical defensive back frames.”
According to Kentuckysportsradio, Westry signed a $100,000 guaranteed contract with a $10,000 signing bonus and would be “a likely candidate to make the Cowboys practice squad where he would be able to polish the unique physical characteristics that make him such an interesting prospect.”
According to the Kentuckysportsradio report, “the Cowboys have a fair amount of depth defensively but even if Westry is unable to make the Cowboys 53-man roster, the preseason will provide an opportunity to showcase his unique skill-set to the rest of the league as well.”