All for Tennessee
Fansided

Tennessee football: Ranking every Vols NFL Draft class this decade

By Billy Williford

KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 24: Derek Barnett #9 of the Tennessee Volunteers celebrates after sacking Austin Appleby #12 of the Florida Gators in the second half at Neyland Stadium on September 24, 2016 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennessee defeated Florida 38-28. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 24: Derek Barnett #9 of the Tennessee Volunteers celebrates after sacking Austin Appleby #12 of the Florida Gators in the second half at Neyland Stadium on September 24, 2016 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennessee defeated Florida 38-28. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 9
Next
TUSCALOOSA, AL – OCTOBER 22: Trent Richardson #3 of the Alabama Crimson Tide against Malik Jackson #97 of the Tennessee Volunteers at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 22, 2011, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
TUSCALOOSA, AL – OCTOBER 22: Trent Richardson #3 of the Alabama Crimson Tide against Malik Jackson #97 of the Tennessee Volunteers at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 22, 2011, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

No.7 – 2012 NFL Draft

Malik Jackson: Round 5 Pick 137

The former three-star defensive tackle from Van Nuys, CA was the only Vol drafted in the 2012 NFL Draft. According to the 247Sports Composite rankings, Jackson was the 348th nationally ranked player, 24th defensive tackle, and the 45th best players from the state of California.

Jackson wasn’t always a Vol though. The 6-foot-5 run stopper signed with the hometown team of USC thanks to the recruiting efforts of Steve Sarkisian. He also had offers from Arizona State, Colorado, Fresno State, Nevada, UNLV, and Utah.

Related Story. Ranking Vols 5 first round NFL Draft picks this decade. light

In his two seasons with Tennessee football, Jackson was a force. In 2010, he accounted for 48 total tackles, including five sacks and one interception which he returned 44 years. He played just as good in 2011 with 56 total tackles, including 11 for loss and 2.5 sacks. He also forced a fumble his senior season.

Jackson was a bright spot in the early Derek Dooley years. The Vols went a combined 11-14 in 2010-11 with a loss in the Music City Bowl to North Carolina in 2010.

Jackson was taken in the 5th round as the 137 pick to the Denver Broncos. The 8th year veteran is still getting it done. Last season with the Jacksonville Jaguars, he accounted for 32 tackles, including 3.5 sacks with one pass deflection.

Home/Vols Football