Kentucky vs. Louisville 2013 NFL Draft watch notes

Sep 2, 2012, 6:00 PM UTC

July 18, 2012; Hoover, AL, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Larry Warford talks with reporters at the 2012 SEC media days event at the Wynfrey Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-US PRESSWIRE

Because watching an in-state rivalry is better than spending time with your family, here's our preview of Kentucky at Louisville.

This year Louisville only had one player taken in the NFL Draft (end Greg Scruggs in the seventh round) and Kentucky had two (safety Winston Guy and linebacker Danny Trevathan). Expect about the same results from the Bluegrass State in the 2013 NFL Draft.

Far and away the top prospect in this game will be Kentucky guard Larry Warford. He's a powerhouse of a lineman who makes his name in the run game. If you're a true draft weirdo, you'll be keen on Louisville sophomore quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. If he continues to progress, he has the tools of a first-round pick.

After the jump, watch lists, a key matchup and a question about Warford.

Kentucky at No. 25 Louisville, 3:30 p.m., ESPN

Louisville Cardinals 2013 NFL Draft prospects:

Offense: No. 55 - Mario Benavides, C - 6'4, 280 pounds (Senior), No. 10 - Dominique Brown, RB - 6'2, 230 pounds (Junior)

Defense: No. 21 - Adrian Bushell, CB - 5'11, 184 pounds (Senior), No. 29 - Hakeem Smith, S - 6'1, 187 pounds (Junior), No. 55 - Preston Brown, MLB - 6'2, 255 pounds (Junior)

Kentucky Wildcats 2013 NFL Draft prospects:

Offense: No. 67 - Larry Warford, G - 6'3, 343 pounds (Senior), No. 16 - La'Rod King, WR - 6'4, 222 pounds (Senior), No. 69 - Matt Smith, C - 6'4, 296 pounds

Defense: No. 1 - Martavius Neloms, CB - 6'1, 186 pounds (Senior),

Key matchup:

Kentucky WR La'Rod King (No. 16) vs. Louisville CB Adrian Bushell (No. 21)

King is an under the radar receiver prospect, but he's caught 76 passes over the past two seasons for just over 1,000 yards and 12 touchdowns. Given Kentucky's quarterback situation, that's not bad. Bushell, a Florida transfer, possesses excellent athleticism but has some size concerns. A good showing by either could help make them decent late-round draft options.

Question of the day:

How will Warford look in the fourth quarter?

Being a 343-pound guard offers some natural advantages. Namely, Warford is incredibly strong and the biggest player on the field. Kentucky's only player on the Senior Bowl watch list, Warford may be a future top 100 pick. That is, if his wind is up. The right guard can be dominant in the first quarter, but as the game progresses he'll get worn down. It will be interesting to see if he slims down by the NFL Combine.

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