Tennessee could make draft impact–on Day 2
Looking for NFL draft picks from Tennessee? You’ll have to wait until day two and especially day three of this week’s draft.
Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Memphis, Middle Tennessee and Tennessee State each have players who could be selected, and a few Tennessee natives at outof-state schools will be on the draft board. Many others should sign as undrafted free agents by the end of the weekend.
The first round will be Thursday, the second and third rounds Friday and the fourth through seventh rounds on Saturday. Here are the in-state players to watch for:
CB Rashaan Gaulden: Former Independence standout can play multiple positions in secondary, making him a mid-rounder.
RB John Kelly: Undersized but physical runner who can catch out of the backfield; third or fourth rounder.
DT Kahlil McKenzie: Big and strong, but raw and relatively unproven; lateround pick.
TE Ethan Wolf: Good receiver, but inconsistent blocker; either late round or undrafted free agent.
P Trevor Daniel: Led nation with 47.5-yard average; late-rounder or priority free agent.
Undrafted free agent candidates:
S/Ret. Evan Berry, OL Jashon Robertson, DL Kendal Vickers.
Vanderbilt
LB Oren Burks: Versatile defender who has played both linebacker spots and safety; middle to late rounder.
RB Ralph Webb: Sixth all-time in SEC career rushing; mostly projected as undrafted free agent.
Undrafted free agent candidates: WR C.J. Duncan, CB Tre Herndon, DL Nifae Lealao, TE Nathan Marcus, PK Tommy Openshaw, WR Caleb Scott, WR Trent Sherfield, LB Emmanuel Smith, S Ryan White, DL Jonathan Wynn.
Memphis
WR Anthony Miller: All-American could be a tweener with skillset of outside WR but size of slot receiver; could go as early as second round.
QB Riley Ferguson: Former Vols QB passed for nearly 3,700 yards in highoctane Memphis offense; polarizing prospect likely a late-rounder but could go sooner to the right team.
LB Genard Avery: Powerful and fast (4.59 in 40), but has limitations; projections vary widely, from third to sixth round.
Undrafted free agent candidates: OL Gabe Kuhn, DB Christian Slaughter.
MTSU
WR Richie James: Very productive, quick slot receiver; could go around fifth round.
CB Charvarius Ward: Led MTSU with 14 pass breakups and had strong pro day; undrafted free agent in most mock drafts, but picked late in a few.
Undrafted free agent candidates: CB Mike Minter, PK Canon Rooker, RB Shane Tucker, LB D.J. Sanders.
DE Ebo Ogundeko: A talented edge rusher with off-the-field issues at Clemson and TSU; late rounder or free agent.
Undrafted free agent candidates: CB Terrell Bonds, PK Lane Clark, WR Patrick Smith.
UT Martin
DB Joseph Este: Versatile defender who can play cornerback, nickelback and safety. NFL teams traveled to Martin to work him out, but draftability is uncertain.
CB D’Montre Wade
(Brentwood Academy/Murray State): Scouting report is positive, with major drawback being his level of competition in FCS; projects as a late-round pick.
(St. Benedict/ Ole Miss): A 1,000-yard rusher as a senior; could go between fifth and seventh rounds.
RB Jordan Wilkins WR Cedrick Wilson Jr.
(White Station/Boise State): Son of former UT wideout Cedrick Wilson Sr., he was very productive at Boise State; could go in fourth or fifth round.
Undrafted free agent candidates: WR Donald Gray (White Station/Mississippi State), DE Frank Herron (Memphis Central/LSU), LB D.J. Palmore, (Christian Brothers/Navy).
Reach Adam Sparks at asparks@tennessean.com and on Twitter @AdamSparks.