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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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Tennessee offensive lineman Trey Smith (73) takes the field ahead of a game between Tennessee and BYU at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on Saturday, September 7, 2019.Utbyu0907
Tennessee offensive lineman Trey Smith (73) takes the field ahead of a game between Tennessee and BYU at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on Saturday, September 7, 2019.Utbyu0907 /

OL Trey Smith

Here’s where these predictions become dicey. We can look for information regarding team interest in the other players on this list, but things change with Trey Smith. Smith was invaluable to Tennessee football’s success from the moment he stepped on Rocky Top in 2017.

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How do you predict where a player will go when there’s a case to be made that all 32 NFL teams could use him? Smith would be a fit anywhere he went, as he is a complete player and a great leader. There’s a reason that heading into the 2020 season many people were projecting him as a potential first-rounder.

Well, some teams could use the 6’6″ 330 pound Jackson, Tenn. native a little more than others. One team that was reportedly interested in Smith in last year’s cycle before he announced he’d be returning to Knoxville for his senior year, the Cincinnati Bengals, could land the All-SEC offensive guard at the 2021 NFL Draft.

The Bengals struggled to run and throw the ball in 2020 with first-year quarterback Joe Burrow under center. While they can’t expect success without adding skill players, they won’t generate any offensive momentum without significant improvements to the O-Line. Nobody needs improvement up front more than Cincy.

Prediction:

Round 2. Pick No. 38. Scouting Report. Cincinnati Bengals. . player. 56. Pick Analysis

It doesn’t look as though Smith will be the next Tennessee football player drafted in the first round, but he won’t wait long on Friday in Round 2. Drafting Oregon’s Penei Sewell will help protect Burrow, but one player is incapable of solving all of their offensive line concerns.

Having thew opportunity to play early on Cincy’s O-Line would make the Bengals an ideal spot for Smith’s rookie campaign. He would be in a great position with a franchise heavily invested in him becoming a successful player.

Next. Draft grades for every Vol selected since 2017. dark

Round 1 of the 2021 NFL Draft begins Thursday, April 29, at 8 pm ET. The first Tennessee football player’s name called will mark consecutive years with a Vol drafted for the first time since 2017-2018. UT’s 348 players drafted all-time ranks No. 12 across all of college football. Although they may not have any first-rounders, that may show some progress.

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