Tennessee Volunteers At The NFL Combine
By Zach Ragan
Nov 24, 2012; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Tyler Bray (8) during the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Neyland Stadium. Tennessee won by a score of 37 to 17. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
Five former players from the University of Tennessee were invited to the NFL combine, taking place February 20-26.
The Vols that were invited are:
QB Tyler Bray
WR Cordarrelle Patterson
WR Justin Hunter
TE Mychal Rivera
OL Dallas Thomas
Thomas and Rivera will take part in interviews on Thursday, and drills on Saturday.
Bray, Hunter, and Patterson will take part in interviews on Friday and drills on Sunday.
Cordarrelle Patterson’s stock has been trending upward as of late. Most draft analysts have him as their best receiver, and some have him being taken in the top ten. He’ll be looking to solidify his draft stock.
Justin Hunter saw his stock drop a little after this past season. Hunter struggled with drops at times, and showed a tendency to play “soft”. He could use a strong combine, he’s currently projected as a second round pick.
Tyler Bray could also use a good combine, although analysts seem to differ on their projections for him. Mel Kiper has him as the fifth best quarterback in the draft. Bleacher Report draft analyst Matt Miller, on the other hand, has had NFL teams tell him that Bray being drafted in the seventh round is a likely scenario. Bray has the arm to dazzle scouts, but his interviews will be key, as he’s had some character issues.
Mychal Rivera is a good receiving tight end, but needs to show he can be a capable blocking tight end. Most analysts think he will be drafted, but have him outside their top ten tight ends.
Dallas Thomas seems to be a lock to be drafted in at least the second round, but with a strong combine could sneak into the late first round. He’s a tackle, but is very likely to play guard at the next level.
NFL Network will have daily coverage from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM EST throughout the combine.