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No Draft Legacy: Tennessee Vols Reach 387 NFL Draft Picks in Storied Program History
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The University of Tennessee football program has long been a cornerstone of the Southeastern Conference and a factory for producing elite NFL talent. In 2025, the Volunteers reached a historic milestone—387 all-time NFL Draft picks—marking a testament to the program’s enduring legacy, development pipeline, and place among college football royalty.
From Pro Football Hall of Famers to modern-day NFL stars, the Vols’ rich tradition continues to shine under the lights of Neyland Stadium and echoes into Sundays across the country. The 387 mark places Tennessee among the top 10 programs in college football history in terms of NFL Draft picks, underlining the program’s consistent excellence and ability to prepare athletes for the next level.
The NFL Draft has always been more than a talent showcase—it’s a time capsule for college programs. And for Tennessee, it’s a recurring spotlight. When a player dons the orange and white, they don’t just play for bowl games or conference titles—they become part of a storied lineage of athletes who have succeeded at the next level.
From the early days of the draft in the 1930s to today’s social media extravaganza, Tennessee has regularly seen its players earn NFL opportunities. The Vols’ first-ever NFL Draft pick came in 1936, the inaugural year of the draft, when guard Clyde “Ig” Iverson was selected. Since then, the program has cultivated wave after wave of NFL-ready talent.
Names like Peyton Manning, Reggie White, Jason Witten, Eric Berry, Alvin Kamara, and Trey Smith have etched their names into both college and professional football lore. Tennessee’s NFL legacy is not just about volume—it’s about impact.
The 2025 NFL Draft class was a special one for Tennessee. Led by defensive standout James Pearce Jr., who is projected to be a top-15 pick, the Vols’ current batch of draftees pushed the program from 381 to 387 all-time draft selections.
Players Drafted in 2025:
- James Pearce Jr. – DE – Round 1
- Cooper Mays – C – Round 3
- Tyler Baron – EDGE – Round 4
- Joe Milton III – QB – Round 5
- Jabari Small – RB – Round 6
- Omarr Norman-Lott – DT – Round 7
The selections in 2025 served as a stamp of approval for Josh Heupel’s player development model. With Pearce Jr. and Baron anchoring the defense and Milton flashing elite arm talent at the Senior Bowl, NFL scouts couldn’t ignore the upward trend of Vols talent.
The All-Time Greats
387 names in the NFL Draft means hundreds of stories, but a few legends stand out more than others—Vols whose careers have defined eras.
Peyton Manning (1998 – 1st Overall, Colts)
No conversation about Tennessee’s NFL history is complete without Peyton Manning. The son of NFL quarterback Archie Manning, Peyton carved his own legacy in Knoxville before becoming a five-time NFL MVP and two-time Super Bowl champion.
His draft moment in 1998 set the tone for a new age of Volunteer football credibility on the national stage.
Reggie White (1984 Supplemental Draft – Eagles)
Known as the “Minister of Defense,” Reggie White was a transcendent defensive lineman who dominated both the NFL and USFL. He remains one of the most feared defenders in league history and a proud Tennessee alum.
Jason Witten (2003 – 3rd Round, Cowboys)
Witten’s longevity and leadership at tight end made him a cornerstone of the Dallas Cowboys for over a decade. His career is a blueprint for consistency, durability, and professionalism.
Eric Berry (2010 – 1st Round, Chiefs)
A fierce safety with heart, Berry overcame cancer and returned to Pro Bowl form, becoming a symbol of inspiration. He’s widely regarded as one of the best safeties of his era.
NFL Talent by the Numbers
The Volunteers’ 387 NFL Draft picks span nearly every position. A breakdown of the draft selections by position offers insight into Tennessee’s development priorities over the decades:
- Defensive Line/EDGE: 78
- Offensive Line: 63
- Wide Receiver: 49
- Linebacker: 47
- Running Back: 42
- Defensive Back: 58
- Quarterback: 14
- Tight End: 17
- Special Teams (K/P): 19
The spread shows a program with a well-rounded recruiting and development approach, capable of producing stars across the board.
When Josh Heupel arrived in Knoxville in 2021, Tennessee was recovering from a dark period marked by transfers, sanctions, and inconsistent performance. Heupel’s offensive mind revitalized the team, while defensive coordinator Tim Banks laid the groundwork for defensive resurgence.
The transformation has not only led to wins on the field—including a 2022 upset over Alabama and a Citrus Bowl victory—but also wins in NFL war rooms. Since Heupel took over, Tennessee has had 15 players drafted in four seasons, including multiple Day 1 and Day 2 picks.
Heupel’s emphasis on explosive offense and NFL-level schemes has turned Neyland Stadium into more than a historic venue—it’s now a proving ground for NFL prospects.
Reaching 387 draft picks places Tennessee among the elite in the SEC. Here’s how the Volunteers stack up against some key conference rivals:
| School | All-Time Draft Picks |
|---|---|
| Alabama | 410+ |
| LSU | 410+ |
| Georgia | 400+ |
| Tennessee | 387 |
| Florida | 370+ |
| Auburn | 360+ |
| Texas A&M | 330+ |
While Alabama and Georgia have dominated recent draft classes, Tennessee is on the rise again. With back-to-back winning seasons, top-10 recruiting classes, and national attention returning to Knoxville, the Vols are positioning themselves for another golden era.
It’s one thing to get drafted. It’s another to become a Pro Bowl-level player or a Super Bowl champion. Tennessee’s alumni in the NFL haven’t just filled rosters—they’ve made a difference.
Notable Active Players (As of 2025):
- Alvin Kamara (RB, Saints) – 5x Pro Bowler
- Trey Smith (OG, Chiefs) – 2x Super Bowl Champion
- Jauan Jennings (WR, 49ers) – NFC Championship Game hero
- Darrell Taylor (EDGE, Seahawks) – Rising defensive star
- Velus Jones Jr. (WR/KR, Bears) – Special teams ace
This current generation of NFL Vols continues to keep Tennessee’s name alive every Sunday—and reinforces to recruits that Knoxville is a gateway to the league.
Having nearly 400 draft picks is more than a number—it’s a powerful recruiting tool. In an era dominated by NIL deals and transfer portal movement, Tennessee’s proven ability to send players to the NFL resonates with elite high school athletes.
It also boosts the program’s national brand. From “Vol Twitter” to NFL promo reels, the orange and white keep showing up. Whether it’s Peyton Manning in a national commercial or Alvin Kamara repping UT gear postgame, the legacy travels far beyond Rocky Top.
With a loaded 2025 roster that includes five-star freshman quarterback Jake Merklinger, All-SEC receiver Bru McCoy, and top linebacker Elijah Herring, the next wave of Tennessee draft picks is already in the making.
Expectations are that Tennessee could have as many as 6-8 players drafted in 2026, which would push the program past 395 and closer to that elusive 400 mark—a milestone only a few programs have ever hit.
As Tennessee celebrates its 387th NFL Draft pick, the legacy of the program has never been clearer. From the Reggie White years to the Peyton Manning era and now to a Heupel-led resurgence, the Volunteers remain a cornerstone of both college and professional football.
The message is clear: Tennessee develops pros. Tennessee wins on Sundays. And Tennessee is far from done.
With a mix of historical prestige, modern innovation, and passionate fan support, the Volunteers are primed not only to hit 400 NFL Draft picks soon—but to keep building a legacy that will stand the test of time.
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