Lance Heard, Tavion Gadson crack ESPN's early 2027 NFL Draft watch list

Kentucky's 2026 outlook in the trenches is bright as Lance Heard and Tavion Gadson attract national attention in ESPN's early watch for the 2027 NFL Draft. Heard, a 6-foot-6, 325-pound tackle transferring from LSU (2023) and Tennessee (2024–25), entered spring practice as Kentucky's presumed starting left tackle, a mauling run blocker whose power can drive pull blocks on gap schemes. Some scouts view him as a guard at the next level, and he has 24 career starts after adding depth to UK's line. He missed the spring game with a minor injury but is expected back at full strength this summer. Gadson, a Savannah (Ga.) Jenkins product and former Florida State commit, emerged as a top defensive tackle candidate after a breakout third year. He finished 2025 with 28 tackles, four tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and 20 pressures on 345 snaps, establishing himself as a real pass-rush threat in Kentucky's more aggressive scheme. ESPN's Miller and Reid ranked him among the top five at his position, behind Moten, Washington, Echoles and Stone. Kentucky's staff believes both players will be in a position to capitalize on a strong fall and put them on radar for the 2027 class.