Tennessee football rookies are impressing early in training camp

NFL Training Camp is underway for all 32 teams, and Tennessee football has rookies across the league already impressing their front office, coaches, and teammates. 

Tennessee had three players drafted in the 2024 NFL Draft, with nine others signing undrafted free-agent contracts. 

Jaylen Wright was the first Vol taken off the draft board this spring with the 120th overall pick. The Miami Dolphins used their fourth-round pick to add Wright's speed and power to one of the fastest offenses in the NFL. 

Wright's mix of speed and power gives him a unique opportunity to earn reps in a game, no matter the situation. He rushed for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns last season on Rocky Top and finished his career with 2,297 career rushing yards and 18 career touchdowns. 

Joe Milton III was the second Vol drafted. The New England Patriots drafted him in the 6th round with the 193rd overall pick. 

Milton is no stranger to impressing observers with his arm. He comes into the NFL with one of the strongest arms in the league. He will likely head into the 2024 season as QB3 but will have the opportunity to compete for the backup job. 

Starting quarterback Jacoby Brissett and 2024 first-round draft pick Drake Maye are likely the No. 1 and No. 2 quarterbacks on the roster, but Milton isn't going away quietly. 

The Boston Globe's Ben Volin wrote that Milton is the "wow" quarterback to start training camp, not Maye. That could be a surprise to some, but if the Patriots can help Milton with his decision-making and arm control, he could have a perceived higher upside than Maye by the end of the preseason. 

Kamal Hadden was the final player to hear his name during the draft weekend. The Kansas City Chiefs drafted the former Vol corner with the 211th overall pick, only a few picks after Milton. 

He fell to the sixth round, partially due to a season-ending shoulder injury he suffered in the fall. He isn't letting that injury get in the way of making plays early in Chiefs training camp. The Chiefs posted on X a play where Hadden breaks up a pass and makes a play on a receiver. 

Hadden said he feels the best he has ever been despite his injury. He spent the offseason training with fellow Chiefs cornerback Nic Jones and said he feels smarter, stronger, and faster than ever. 

Ron Kopp notes that Hadden's play style matches what the Chiefs need in the secondary and that he has played multiple positions early in training camp. Hadden was primarily a boundary corner for the Vols but has played both corner positions and in the slot. 

If Hadden can continue to improve his performance and prove to be a versatile asset, he could get plenty of playing time in the fall and possibly be a nickel corner for the Chiefs.