Tennessee football: 4 former Vols who were NFL Draft steals this decade

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JACKSONVILLE, FL – SEPTEMBER 23: Malik Jackson #97 of the Jacksonville Jaguars plays against the Tennessee Titans at TIAA Bank Field on September 23, 2018, in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) /

No.2 – Malik Jackson

2012 NFL Draft: Round 5 – Pick 137

Malik Jackson comes in second on our list due to the fact he was a fifth-round draft pick. The Denver Broncos took Jackson with the 137 pick in the 2012 NFL Draft.

Last month, the eighth year veteran was released by the Jaguars after spending three years in Jacksonville accounting for more than 105 tackles.

Jackson wasn’t on the market long; the Philadelphia Eagles signed him to a three-year deal worth 30 million dollars. The Eagles were smart with the move to add a veteran that is still relatively young. Philly has strived by having a lot of depth on the defensive line so adding Jackson makes perfect sense.

Since 2012, Jackson has accounted for 239 tackles, including 32 sacks with one safety and 23 pass deflections. He has been remarkably consistent and still has some gas left in the tank.

Another reason why Jackson is considered a steal is that he is always available for the games. He’s played in all 16 games every season except in 2012 as a rookie, appearing in 14 that season.

As good as Jackson has been at the next level, there was no way we could give him the number one ranking.

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