Tennessee football: Final Vols 2021 NFL Draft predictions
OL Brandon Kennedy
No one was certain of Brandon Kennedy’s draft status until the sixth-year senior was scheduled to workout at UT’s Pro Day in March. Through two healthy seasons in Knoxville, the former Alabama Crimson Tide transfer started 21 games at center and served as a team captain in 2020.
Because of his modest draft declaration and under-the-radar production at center and guard, there was no telling how interested teams would be in Kennedy. That was until Justin Melo of The Draft Network shared Kennedy’s list of potential suitors. The list, which names only the teams Kennedy spoke to virtually, is likely to have grown since March 31.
Of the names listed here, two stand apart from the rest. The loss of longtime starting center Maurkice Pouncey this offseason makes the Pittsburgh Steelers a potentially great landing spot for Kennedy. However, Kennedy, who was the only lineman to start every game for the Vols in 2019, worked out individually with Tennessee Titans’ head coach Mike Vrabel at UT’s Pro Day.
Both teams have ties to the Wetumpka, Ala. native and likely have his name circled as a draft prospect or player to sign as an undrafted free agent. While other teams need interior offensive line depth, the Steel City appears to be what’s next for Kennedy.
Prediction:
55. Round 7. . Pittsburgh Steelers. player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Pick No. 245
Steeler’s GM, Kevin Colbert, has a history of selecting Tennessee football players and linemen specifically. He had a say in signing offensive lineman Ramon Foster, who played 11 seasons for the Steelers, as an undrafted free agent in 2009.
The following season, Colbert drafted UT’s Chris Scott before selecting another UT big-man, defensive lineman Daniel McCullers in 2014. Over 20 years with the distinguished franchise, Colbert has drafted former Vols standouts such as quarterback Tee Martin in 2000 along with quarterback Josh Dobbs and cornerback Cameron Sutton in 2017.