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Published on April 28, 2024
Tennessee Volunteers Shine in NFL Draft, Three Drafted and Eight Signed as Free AgentsSource: Unsplash / Adrian Curiel

It's a wrap for the NFL Draft, and the University of Tennessee's football program has once more made headlines, with three of its players snagging spots on professional rosters in the later rounds, while a cadre of Volunteers have swiftly moved to sign as undrafted free agents. The news, confirmed by UT's official sports page, adds to head coach Josh Heupel's impressive three-year total of 13 players drafted from the program.

All eyes were on the Miami Dolphins as they chose All-SEC running back Jaylen Wright with the 120th overall pick. Despite dropping to the fourth round, Wright is set to bring his impressive 7.39 average yards per carry to the Sunshine State. According to UTsports.com, the talented running back has vowed that the draft slight would only fuel his rookie motivations. Meanwhile, quarterback Joe Milton III was picked up by the New England Patriots, where he is sure to prove himself against the team's No. 3 overall pick QB, and cornerback Kamal Hadden found a new home with the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs. These selections mark another solid year for the Vols in the draft.

But the end of the draft didn't signal the end of the road for other Vols eager to make their mark in the NFL. Eight unselected Tennessee players have quickly been snapped up as undrafted free agents. Tight ends McCallan Castles and Jacob Warren are taking their talents to the Philadelphia Eagles and the New England Patriots, respectively, while wide receiver Ramel Keyton is slated to join the Las Vegas Raiders. This information comes via WBIR, which detailed the movements of these players post-draft.

Indeed, Castles' acquisition by the Eagles is significant considering his leading five receiving touchdowns last season for the Vols, the most by a Tennessee tight end since 2012, WBIR reported. As for the other newly minted undrafted free agents, the Knoxville-based news outlet Knox News provided a comprehensive tracker on all Vols who quickly landed deals following the conclusion of the draft.

With the dust now settling on the excitement of draft day, it's a certainty that the journey is just kicking off for these talented athletes. Whether drafted or undrafted, these Vols are set to make their presence felt throughout the ranks of the NFL, each with something to prove and every intention to do just that.