Tennessee had five NFL Draft picks, the most under Josh Heupel so far. Even with an eight-win season that probably could’ve been better, the Vols are still producing high-level NFL talent. Colton Hood was a top-40 pick, wide receiver Chris Brazzell II went in the third, and Jermod McCoy slipped into the fourth round despite being a top prospect.
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Josh Heupel was fired up when it came to seeing his former players get to the next level. The Vols have done a tremendous job getting players ready for the pros, and with five more Vols playing in the NFL, the Tennessee pipeline continues to grow.
“Yeah, super excited for all of those guys to have the opportunity," said Heupel. "Guys that got drafted, guys that signed, have an opportunity to get to an NFL franchise. At the end of the day, I tell those guys it doesn’t matter when, it doesn’t matter who, you’re not in control of that. What you’re in control of is how you handle the process that day. You don’t control it, and now your feet are on the grass, and you’ve got to go take it."
Heupel also touched on the NFL Draft success Tennessee has had with multiple top 150 picks.
“Excited that those guys have an opportunity. For us, I think it’s three out of the last four years, we’ve had four guys drafted in the top 150 picks. We’re one of maybe four teams in the league. I’m excited about what we’ve done, and want to continue to grow that part of it.”
Tennessee NFL Draft outlook in 2027
For 2027, Tennessee doesn’t have a ton of major top prospects yet, but that could change fast. With a big season this fall, anyone on this roster could break out. There’s talent in Knoxville, and some guys are definitely going to rise.
Tailback Desean Bishop sticks out right away as a player who could rise. The Vols will likely be a run-first team this fall with a new quarterback and an offensive line that doesn't excel in pass protection. Bishop will have plenty of opportunities to build on his second-team All-SEC performance last fall. Cornerback Kayin Lee is an intriguing prospect as well. I love his experience with three years of playing in the SEC, and a fourth on the way. Tennessee's secondary should be a very good unit next fall, and he could reap the benefits of that with an elevated draft stock.
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