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Ranking Vols by landing spots after NFL Draft
Two Vols were selected in the 2020 NFL Draft, and multiple others signed contracts as undrafted free agents with teams. Here is a ranking of all players from Rocky Top based on their landing spots coming off the draft.
Mock draft: Vols projected landing spots
Three players on Rocky Top have landed in at least one major outlet’s full seven-round mock draft. Here is a look at all of them and an analysis of those in this class that haven’t landed any projections for themselves.
Tennessee football: Ranking eight Vols as realistic pro prospects in 2020 draft class
Technically, there are nine players in the Vols’ NFL Draft class for 2020. However, eight have a realistic chance of ending up on a pro roster. Here is our ranking of those Vols based on their pro potential moving forward.
Daniel Bituli’s five best landing spots
The most productive player on Rocky Top is a fringe draft projection, either in one of the later rounds or not at all. Still, even if not taken, Daniel Bituli will sign somewhere as a free agent. Here is where last year’s leader and top linebacker will want to end up.
Marquez Callaway’s five best landing spots
Consistency was the story for Marquez Callaway, but he may not have made enough of a splash to be drafted. Still, as a receiver with solid speed and hands who can double as a punt returner, there is a place for him. These are the best spots for him to develop.
Jauan Jennings’ five best landing spots
Despite an underwhelming combine, Jauan Jennings is still the ultimate gamer, which is why somebody is bound to take a chance on him. Here are the places that UT’s leading receiver will want to end up to have the best chance to blossom.
Darrell Taylor’s five best landing spots
Very few Vols have seen their draft stock rise so rapidly despite missing the combine due to injury like Darrell Taylor. However, he still needs to be in the right situation to succeed. Knowing that, these are the best places for him to end up.
Nigel Warrior’s five best landing spots
Despite being the anchor of the secondary and one of the team leaders, Nigel Warrior has been snubbed throughout the draft process. He’ll probably have to sign somewhere, but he has a chance to succeed. These are the best places to do that for the son of Dale Carter.
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Injuries wrecked Vols’ 2020 draft stock
Only two players were taken in the 2020 NFL Draft from Tennessee football. However, if not for injuries to three players, there could have been four selections, and everybody would have gone higher than they did.
Vols draft class about production over potential
Most of the members of the Vols’ 2020 draft class won’t leap off the screen with rare, physical abilities. However, they do meet the basic requirements at their respective positions. As a result, their selling point will be proven production in college.
Does draft affect Vols recruiting? Data says no.
Historical data shows that it doesn’t matter what type of success a draft class has for the Vols. It has no impact on how highly ranked their recruiting classes will be the next year. Only on-field performances by the team matter on that front.
Before 1998 draft, Vol fans once rooted for Ryan Leaf
When Peyton Manning was compared to Ryan Leaf ahead of the 1998 NFL Draft, Vol fans were obviously rooting against Leaf at that point. However, just a few months before, they were cheering hard for him and his Washington State Cougars when that team faced the Michigan Wolverines in the Rose Bowl.