The 2025 NFL Draft saw a total of nine football players with Tennessee roots secure their spots in the professional ranks. Seven Volunteers from the University of Tennessee (VFLs), including one former player and one Knoxville native, were either picked or signed during the draft event. In the first round, the Atlanta Falcons picked edge rusher James Pearce Jr., known for his swift 4.47-second dash, as the 26th overall pick, as reported by WATE. This selection made Pearce the 48th player from the University of Tennessee to be chosen in the NFL Draft's first round.
Following in the draft proceedings, defensive lineman Omarr Norman-Lott was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs with the 63rd pick. His notable pass-rushing abilities earned him a total of 13.5 sacks by the end of his collegiate career. In another round of the draft, wide receiver Dont’e Thornton Jr. and running back Dylan Sampson were picked by the Las Vegas Raiders and the Cleveland Browns, respectively. Sampson, known for his impressive performance as 2024's SEC Offensive Player of the Year, was the 390th Vol drafted, according to WATE.
Among those who didn't get drafted but later signed as undrafted free agents, former Vol walk-on Will Brooks and South-Doyle High alum Elijah Young both secured deals with the Kansas City Chiefs. "As a starter in 2024, Brooks had 82 tackles, four interceptions and 10 pass break-ups," WATE cited in their coverage. Additionally, defensive tackle Omari Thomas and defensive lineman Elijah Simmons went on to sign with the New Orleans Saints and the Arizona Cardinals, respectively.
The talent from Tennessee continued to be recognized, with defensive tackle Jordan Phillips, a former Volunteer, being selected by the Miami Dolphins, as reported by Rocky Top Insider. Phillips, who had transferred to Maryland, emerged as a draft candidate after two productive seasons. Tyler Baron, another Knoxville native who transferred from Tennessee to Miami, was also selected by the New York Jets, still embracing his strong presence on defense, which was cultivated over four effective years with the Vols.
