The 2026 NFL Draft has concluded. Five Tennessee football players were selected, and a number have been signed as undrafted free agents shortly after each pick came off the board.
Now, the attention turns to the upcoming college football and NFL seasons as we see which rookies pan out and which college players can build their stock for the 2027 draft.
While it’s extremely tough to project this far out, here’s a look at players on the Vols next season who could hear their names called next April.
Likely Draft Picks
- Sr. LB Arion Carter
- R-Sr. OL Wendell Moe Jr.
- R-So. WR Braylon Staley
There will likely be more than just three players taken off of Tennessee’s team next season, but these three feel like the safest bets. Arion Carter entered the draft this past offseason, but pulled his name out and is returning to UT. He’s recovering from an injury, but another good year of tape could shoot him up boards.
Wendell Moe Jr. transferred in this past season and was fantastic at both guard spots. He also got hurt at the end of last season and missed spring camp like Carter, but is poised to have a potential All-SEC season this upcoming year. If he does, he should hear his name called at some point.
Braylon Staley is coming off a redshirt-freshman campaign that saw him earn SEC Freshman of the Year. If he can take another step and become the true top receiver for the Vols, he could build up a really strong draft resume. However, with NIL such a factor now, he could also be a potential returner in an attempt to further improve his stock for the 2028 draft.
Wouldn’t Be Too Surprising
- Jr. WR Mike Matthews
- R-Jr. TE Ethan Davis
- Sr. DB Kayin Lee
- R-Jr. DL Jordan Norman
- Sr. DL Daevin Hobbs
Mike Matthews is in a similar spot to Staley, though he has one less year of eligibility to play with in college. The wide receiver could easily play his way into a draft pick this upcoming year if he can take a step in production on the outside.
Ethan Davis is also extremely intriguing to me as a draft prospect. If he plays as he did against Florida and Vanderbilt to end last season, he could be one of the top tight ends in the draft class. He’s proven to be an all-around tight end that can be used in multiple ways, which NFL teams love.
Then, it’s a trio of defenders. Kayin Lee was a solid piece for Auburn and projects to start at cornerback this year for the Vols. Jordan Norman also comes in as a potential starter as an edge rusher from Tulane. Both transfers have the chance to soar up boards. Defensive lineman Daevin Hobbs is also someone who could hear his name called, he just needs to stay healthy.
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Could Play Their Way Into a Pick
- R-Jr. RB DeSean Bishop
- R-So. DL Xavier Gilliam
- R-So. LB Edwin Spillman
- Sr. DB TJ Metcalf
- Sr. LB Amare Campbell
This group is going to be really interesting to watch in terms of their draft stock. DeSean Bishop was one of the most productive backs in the SEC last year, but due to his position and build, there are questions about his status as a draft pick. If he runs for 1,000 yards again, though, it’ll be tough to leave him out of the draft. He could always return for a final year, as well.
Defensive lineman Xavier Gilliam and linebacker Edwin Spillman are both young players with extremely high ceilings. Gilliam was the talk of the defense during spring camp and is poised for a breakout year on the interior of the line. Spillman broke out last year and will be a big factor in a crowded room. Both have multiple years of eligibility they could use if they want to return to college, too.
Then, safety TJ Metcalf and linebacker Amare Campbell join as senior transfers. Both are expected to play massive roles for Tennessee’s defense under Jim Kowles, and could end up being drafted if they exceed their already high expectations.
Other Candidates
- R-Jr. DL Tyree Weathersby
- R-Jr. OL Sam Pendleton
- Jr. DB Edrees Farooq
- Sr. DB Qua Moss
- Jr. DB Dejuan Lane
- Sr. LB Jeremiah Telander
- Sr. DB Jadais Richard
- R-So. OL Ory Williams
- R-So. OL Jesse Perry
- R-Jr. OL Shamurad Umarov
- R-Jr. DL Nathan Robinson
There’s almost always a name or two that you wouldn’t expect to breakout who shoot up draft boards. For example, last season, I probably would’ve had Colton Hood in this category when he transferred in from Colorado. Now, he’s a second-round pick of the New York Giants.
This group ranges from seniors who will have no other option than to go pro and could work their way into a pick, and younger players who will have the chance to play a good bit this year and could become breakout stars.
