Tennessee Football: Projecting where Vols will land in 2022 NFL draft

The 2022 NFL Draft is not going to be huge for Tennessee football players. With a few prospects to know about though, they’re still worth checking out.

In times that have long since passed, Tennessee football would put multiple first-round picks in the NFL Draft. Now, in this 2022 NFL Draft, they’ll be lucky if any player’s name is called before the fourth round.

A potential quartet of Vols players could hear their names called on day three. Although the back rounds are mostly roster-fillers, this Vols class has the potential to latch their way onto a 53-man roster come September.

Cornerback Alontae Taylor rates highest on the consensus big board. He was the soul of the Vols last year, and that kind of leadership and maturity level will be welcomed by any team.

Velus Jones Jr. showed some potential at the Senior Bowl. The speedy receiver could be a great return specialist at the next level, and will be first drafted for that role.

The two big men in Tennessee’s draft class will be last up. Defensive tackle Matthew Butler could figure to be a rotation piece on any 4-down defensive line, while interior lineman Cade Mays will end up being a depth chart filler.

While Ty Chandler will hear his name called as a North Carolina Tar Heel, the Nashville native developed on Jeremy Pruitt’s watch at Tennessee. Chandler has all the makings of a third day steal.

Here’s how Tennessee’s prospects will come off the board in the 2022 NFL Draft.