The National Football League (NFL) draft is less than a month away, and Tennessee’s football program is projected to have a very successful draft. According to ESPN analyst Jordan Reid’s seven-round mock draft, seven Tennessee players are expected to be selected, including five in the top 100 picks.
Players who could make it big in the NFL
These players were essential to Tennessee’s turnaround under coach Josh Heupel in 2021 and 2022, and they had standout performances in the previous season. Darnell Wright, Jalin Hyatt, Hendon Hooker, Cedric Tillman, Byron Young, Jerome Carvin, and Jeremy Banks are projected to be drafted.
Hendon Hooker was the SEC Offensive Player of the Year and a top Heisman Trophy candidate before suffering a torn ACL. Jalin Hyatt became the first-ever Biletnikoff Award winner for Tennessee as the nation’s top pass-catcher. Cedric Tillman was the breakout star of Tennessee’s 2021 season, becoming the program’s first 1,000-yard receiver since 2012. Jerome Carvin was a 43-game starter at both guard spots and center during his five-year Tennessee career. Also, Jeremy Banks led the Vols and ranked second in the SEC in tackles in 2021.
Tennessee may surpass its previous record
If these projections hold true, Tennessee could surpass its previous record of six draft picks established in 2003. The program currently holds an impressive streak of four consecutive years with at least three players taken off the board. ESPN analyst Reid stated that this year’s prospect class has tremendous potential to get into NFL teams’ systems immediately.
NFL-ready prospects to look out for
One of the significant factors influencing these upcoming drafts is how ready rookie prospects are for the NFL. Being “NFL ready” can be a determining factor because rookie contracts drive surplus value. Here are five players who are considered to be the most NFL-ready in the 2023 draft:
Bryce Young from Alabama is a quarterback prospect with incredible processing and anticipation skills. He can start Day 1 and hit the ground running. Bijan Robinson from Texas is a special talent who may be the best running back prospect since 2014’s draft. He has excellent receiving skills and can be a lead back right away. Jordan Addison from USC is possibly the most NFL-ready receiver in the draft, making him an outstanding threat on day one. Brian Branch from Alabama is an exceptional tackler who brings elite run defense and coverage skills to the table, making him a significant asset to any team that chooses him in the draft. John Michael Schmitz from Minnesota is a center prospect with the best grades among interior linemen. He consistently improves his run blocking and can potentially hit the ground running.
Draft needs for each team in the NFC
Each team in the NFC has pressing needs that could be addressed in this year’s draft, which owns 17 picks in the first round of the draft. The San Francisco 49ers’ needs include interior offensive line, safety, and cornerback positions. The Chicago Bears need edge rusher, right tackle, center, defensive tackle, and cornerback positions filled by new recruits.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers need offensive tackle, tight end, and offensive guard positions filled up while addressing their needs. On the other hand, the Arizona Cardinals need defensive tackle positions filled up while also looking to trade back for additional draft capital along with running back, tight end, offensive guard, center, and cornerback positions.
Washington Commanders need cornerback positions filled along with tight end, linebacker, safety, and interior offensive lineman positions. Dallas Cowboys need defensive tackle positions filled up while also looking at the interior offensive line, tight end, and safety positions. Philadelphia Eagles need safety positions filled up with a possible competition for the linebacker position.
The Atlanta Falcons need quarterback positions filled up along with cornerback, linebacker, and edge rushers. The New York Giants need cornerback positions filled up along with interior offensive lineman positions. The Detroit Lions need defensive tackle positions filled up along with linebacker and a long-term star cornerback position. The Green Bay Packers need wide receiver, tight end, interior offensive lineman, and safety positions filled up in time for the NFL draft day.
The Carolina Panthers need quarterback positions filled up along with depth at edge rusher and cornerback positions. Los Angeles Rams have to upgrade their interior offensive line while addressing the holes in various positions like quarterback, running back, wide receiver, and cornerback positions. And finally, the New Orleans Saints need defensive tackle positions filled up along with linebacker, wide receiver, and cornerback position.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the upcoming 2023 NFL draft holds tremendous potential for Tennessee’s football program and other teams that may address their needs by recruiting top talent from this year’s prospect class. Teams are always looking for new recruits who can start right away and make an impact on the field. This year’s draft class seems to be piquing everyone’s interest with exciting prospects being highlighted for various NFL teams to fill their pressing needs.
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