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Tennessee football: Final Vols 2021 NFL Draft predictions

By Dean Zulkofske

Tennessee defensive back Bryce Thompson (20) reacts during a game between University of Tennessee and UAB in Knoxville, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019.Utvuab1103 0752
Tennessee defensive back Bryce Thompson (20) reacts during a game between University of Tennessee and UAB in Knoxville, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019.Utvuab1103 0752 /
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NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 25: Cordarelle Patterson (L) of the Tennessee Volunteers stands with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell as they hold up a jersey after Patterson was selected #29 overall by the Minnesota Vikings in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall on April 25, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 25: Cordarelle Patterson (L) of the Tennessee Volunteers stands with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell as they hold up a jersey after Patterson was selected #29 overall by the Minnesota Vikings in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall on April 25, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /

The last decade on Rocky Top was a blemish on the storied history of the Tennessee football program. Well, even that may be an understatement. A school that ranks top 10 nationally in all-time wins and top five in bowl game appearances went 63-62 from 2010-2019.

Under three different head coaches, the Vols appeared in just five bowl games, none of which were part of the New Year’s Six. The “decade of dysfunction” featured not just some of the worst production on the field, but subpar results on draft day as well.

From 2010-2019, UT placed only 25 players into the NFL through the annual draft process. That’s a massive step down from the 54 players drafted from 2000-2009 and the 62 draftees in the 1990s, when the Vols ruled the NFL.

With last decade in UT’s rear-view mirror, the Vols began the 2020s strong. Edge rusher Darrell Taylor and wide receiver Jauan Jennings were selected by the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers respectively in last year’s selection process.

Now, as the 2021 NFL Draft is slated to begin Thursday, April 29 in Cleveland, Ohio, four new faces are ready to represent Tennessee football at the next level. Some of them come with quite a bit of expectations and have been since the start of last year.

Offensive lineman Brandon Kennedy, cornerback Bryce Thompson, wide receiver Josh Palmer and offensive lineman Trey Smith are the next four UT draft hopefuls. Since the last time they played in Neyland Stadium on December 19, preparations for the next level have included the Reese’s Senior Bowl, invitations to the 2021 NFL Combine, and Rocky Top’s Pro Day.

Along the way, we’ve graded their Pro Day performances, listed potentially interested teams and given early predictions on where these players might land. Today, with the NFL Draft fast approaching, it’s time for our final say. Here are our 2021 NFL Draft predictions for the four declared Tennessee football players this weekend.

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