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Tennessee football: Draft grades for every Vol selected since 2017

By Dean Zulkofske

PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 21: Derek Barnett #96 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on prior to the game against the Carolina Panthers at Lincoln Financial Field on October 21, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 21: Derek Barnett #96 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on prior to the game against the Carolina Panthers at Lincoln Financial Field on October 21, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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Nov 25, 2018; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers defensive back Rashaan Gaulden (28) runs on to the field before the game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 25, 2018; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers defensive back Rashaan Gaulden (28) runs on to the field before the game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Defensive Back. 2018 Round 3 No. 85. Rashaan Gaulden. 8. player. 87

Draft Grade: C+

Rashaan Gaulden became a fan favorite among Tennessee football fans in 2017 for his physical display of displeasure to Alabama Crimson Tide fans. The Spring Hill, Tenn. native amassed 138 total tackles with one forced fumble and one interception over three years on Rocky Top and surprised a few people when he declared for the 2018 NFL Draft after his junior season.

Taken in the third round of the 2018 Draft by the Carolina Panthers, Gaulden got off on the wrong hand with his new team after a nasty hit on Panthers’ WR Jarius Wright in spring practice. But Gaulden earned his time as a rookie, contributing 12 solo tackles and a pass defended over 15 games in 2018.

His sophomore season was a different story, though, as Gaulden was waived in 2019 after appearing in 9 games for the Panthers. The New York Giants scooped up the former Vol and fluctuated him between the active and practice squad rosters. He is now signed to a reserve/ futures contract with the Las Vegas Raiders.

Gaulden never molded into the player the Panthers had taken a chance on with a third-round pick. However, every NFL franchise has more players like Gaulden rather than players who grow into Pro Bowl superstars, and Gaulden gave the Panthers – albeit limited – meaningful contribution.

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