Top 10 Tennessee Vols 2016 NFL Draft Prospects Going into the 2015 College Football Season
Jan 2, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Tennessee Volunteers linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin (34) pressures Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jake Rudock (15) into throwing an incomplete pass in the first quarter of their 2015 TaxSlayer Bowl at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Phil Sears-USA TODAY Sports
Simply put, Reeves-Maybin is expected to have a breakout superstar season this year. The only reason he is not higher on this list is because it has not happened yet. But if he reaches some of the expectations set for him, he could quickly become a top-notch pro prospect for next year.
At 6’1″ 225 pounds, there is another chance for Reeves-Maybin to improve his stock if he indeed takes over the middle linebacker spot after starting at outside linebacker last year. That versatility will have teams fighting to pick him up next year if he still has a superstar season in the middle.
If he remains at outside linebacker, though, he could still be a very high draft pick with a solid season. This guy has the potential to be the next Jerod Mayo.
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7
Jalen Reeves-Maybin
Linebacker, Junior
He has been hyped up since his freshman season when he only played on special teams. And with only one full year as a starter, Jalen Reeves-Maybin does not yet have the body of work to be very high on anybody’s NFL Draft board. But he is the first junior on our list who is a potential prospect for next year if he has a solid 2015 season.
Reeves-Maybin started all 13 games last year and tied for first on the team with 101 tackles. He also had 11 tackles for a loss, two sacks, two fumble recoveries, and an interception. The guy is clearly an elite linebacker who can do it all, and this year he is expected to become the leader of that unit.
Simply put, Reeves-Maybin is expected to have a breakout superstar season this year. The only reason he is not higher on this list is because it has not happened yet. But if he reaches some of the expectations set for him, he could quickly become a top-notch pro prospect for next year.
At 6’1″ 225 pounds, there is another chance for Reeves-Maybin to improve his stock if he indeed takes over the middle linebacker spot after starting at outside linebacker last year. That versatility will have teams fighting to pick him up next year if he still has a superstar season in the middle.
If he remains at outside linebacker, though, he could still be a very high draft pick with a solid season. This guy has the potential to be the next Jerod Mayo.
Next: #6: Alvin Kamara