Number of NFL Draft picks: 3
- Round 3: Rashaan Gaulden – Carolina Panthers (Pick 85)
- Round 6: John Kelly – Los Angeles Rams (Pick 176)
- Round 6: Kahlil McKenzie – Kansas City Chiefs (Pick 198)
*Note Brady Hoke coached the final two games of 2017
The last two coaches’ final draft classes were among the worst. Although Butch Jones didn’t finish the 2017 season, the players in that draft class were his players. Tennessee football had its worst season arguably in school history that year, suffering through its first winless SEC season in history. That manifested itself in this draft.
All three players taken decided to leave after their junior seasons. Defensive back Rashaan Gaulden became a fan favorite for his obscene gesture to Alabama Crimson Tide fans after a pick-six in 2017. All Vol fans felt his frustration and wanted that to be directed at Jones, and nobody begrudged him for leaving early for the NFL Draft.
Running back John Kelly and defensive lineman Kahlil McKenzie both went in the sixth round. McKenzie was first tried out as an offensive lineman and has bounced around the league. He’s now with the Cincinnati Bengals, and back at defensive lineman. It took four teams and two other XFL teams for him to find his footing.
Gaulden, meanwhile, is on a reserve/futures contract with the Los Angeles Raiders, his third team, and John Kelly is on a reserve/futures contract with the Cleveland Browns. So they’re at least all still in the league.