No.5 – 2018 NFL Draft
Rashaan Gaulden: Round 3 Pick 85
Coming in at number five on our list, Rashaan Gaulden leads the way. Gaulden went in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft as the 85th pick to the Carolina Panthers.
Gaulden wasn’t much of a threat his freshman season appearing in seven games by only registering seven total tackles. In August of Gaulden’s second season, he broke his foot and was unable to play. In some ways that only helped him come back energized.
In his junior and senior seasons saw over 120 tackles combined, including 9.5 tackles for loss and one sack. In 2017, Gaulden accounted for five pass deflections with one forced fumble and three fumble recoveries.
Gaulden was one of the leaders on defense and made big play after big play. He played a massive role in shaping the 2016 football season a success. As a rookie, the 6-foot-0 defensive back appeared in 15 games accounting for 17 total tackles, including two tackles for loss.
John Kelly: Round 6 Pick 176
Running back John Kelly was selected in the sixth round by the Los Angeles Rams. Although he didn’t get much playing time as a rookie, there is still hope for a player that carried Tennessee football’s offense on his back.
Kahlil McKenzie: Round 6 Pick 198
Kahlil McKenzie was drafted and immediately switched to the offensive line where many people thought he should have played with the Vols. As a rookie, McKenzie didn’t play in any games but could with more practice at the new position.