The Tennessee Volunteers have five total draft picks in the most recent mock draft, but no first round picks.
The Tennessee Volunteers, a proud college football program known for its passionate fan base, rich history, and competitive nature, have seen various players leave for the NFL Draft each year. The 2025 NFL Draft class has no shortage of talent, with numerous college players hoping to make the leap to the professional ranks. However, the Volunteers, despite having a solid roster, are not expected to produce a first-round pick in the upcoming draft, according to recent mock drafts.
Tennessee Volunteers’ Draft Landscape
The Tennessee Volunteers have had a storied history when it comes to producing NFL talent. From legendary players like Reggie White and Peyton Manning to more recent stars such as Jalen Hurd and Alvin Kamara, the Vols have consistently contributed to the NFL’s talent pool. However, in the 2025 NFL Draft, Tennessee is not expected to have any players selected in the first round. This absence of a first-round pick is somewhat of an anomaly for a program with such a prominent football pedigree.
Despite not having a first-round selection, the Volunteers do have five players expected to be drafted. This is a testament to the talent and depth on the team, even if it doesn’t translate to a first-round pick in this particular draft class. In this article, we will explore the five Tennessee players projected to be drafted, the potential reasons behind the lack of a first-round pick, and the outlook for the Volunteers in the near future.
Tennessee’s Draft Prospects
- Jalin Hyatt (Wide Receiver)
Jalin Hyatt, the standout wide receiver for the Tennessee Volunteers, has been one of the most electrifying players on their offense. Known for his speed, agility, and playmaking ability, Hyatt has emerged as one of the top receivers in college football. His dynamic ability to stretch the field and make big plays has caught the attention of NFL scouts, and he is expected to be one of the first Tennessee players selected in the 2025 NFL Draft.
However, while Hyatt’s talent is undeniable, his draft stock has fluctuated. In a draft class that features several top-tier wide receiver prospects, Hyatt’s name is often seen in the second or third round rather than the first. This can be attributed to a few factors. First, while Hyatt has been impressive at Tennessee, some scouts question his consistency and ability to dominate against elite competition. His performances against top-tier SEC defenses will be critical in determining his exact draft position.
Despite these questions, Hyatt’s potential is still significant, and his ability to make an immediate impact in the NFL could push him into the higher rounds. With his skill set, he could be a valuable weapon for a team looking to add speed and explosiveness to their offense.
- Darnell Wright (Offensive Tackle)
Darnell Wright, the 6-foot-5, 340-pound offensive tackle from Tennessee, is another player generating significant buzz in the 2025 NFL Draft. As one of the top offensive linemen in college football, Wright’s physicality and athleticism have made him a standout at the collegiate level. His ability to protect the quarterback and open up running lanes makes him a valuable asset for any NFL team in need of offensive line help.
Wright has been a key contributor to Tennessee’s offensive line and has garnered attention from NFL scouts for his ability to shut down opposing pass rushers. However, similar to Hyatt, Wright is expected to be a mid-to-late second-round pick rather than a first-round selection. This is due in part to the deep pool of offensive line talent in this draft class. With so many talented offensive linemen vying for early-round selection, Wright may not crack the top 32 picks.
Still, Wright’s physical tools and proven success in the SEC should ensure that he is selected relatively early in the draft. His potential as a starting tackle in the NFL could help a team shore up their offensive line and provide protection for their quarterback for years to come.
- Byron Young (Edge Rusher)
Byron Young, an explosive edge rusher for the Volunteers, is another player whose name has come up frequently in 2025 NFL Draft projections. Known for his ability to disrupt the quarterback and his relentless motor, Young has been one of Tennessee’s most consistent defenders. His quickness off the edge and ability to sack the quarterback have made him a rising star in the SEC.
However, much like Hyatt and Wright, Young is expected to fall outside of the first round. While his skills are certainly impressive, the edge rusher position in this draft class is stacked, with several elite prospects likely to be selected ahead of him. Young’s draft stock will depend largely on his performance during the pre-draft process, particularly the NFL Scouting Combine and his pro day. If he can impress scouts with his athleticism and agility, he could rise up the draft boards.
Despite not being a first-round lock, Young’s potential as a starting edge rusher in the NFL remains high. His ability to put pressure on the quarterback is a skill that NFL teams covet, and Young has the tools to develop into a key player at the next level.
- Tennessee Secondary Players (Cornerbacks and Safeties)
The Volunteers’ secondary, which includes cornerbacks and safeties who have played a crucial role in the team’s defensive schemes, is another area of interest for NFL scouts. Players such as Kamal Hadden (cornerback) and Trevon Flowers (safety) are likely to be drafted, but neither is expected to be selected in the first round.
Both players have shown solid coverage ability and football IQ, but there are concerns about their consistency and ability to cover elite competition. The depth of talent in the secondary position this year, coupled with the fact that other players have generated more attention, may push Hadden and Flowers into the second or third rounds. That said, both players could still find themselves making an impact at the NFL level, providing depth and versatility to a team’s defensive backfield.
- Tyler Baron (Defensive End)
Tyler Baron, another standout defender from Tennessee, is one of the more intriguing prospects in the Volunteers’ 2025 draft class. Baron has the potential to develop into a solid pass rusher at the next level, but like many of his teammates, his draft stock may not be as high as other prospects in the position group. Baron’s lack of consistency in terms of his sack production has been a concern, but his athleticism and size make him an appealing prospect.
Baron is expected to be a mid-round selection, likely in the third or fourth round. While he doesn’t project as a first-round pick, he could still contribute as a rotational player or situational pass rusher for an NFL team. His upside is evident, and with proper coaching and development, he could eventually become a starter.
Why No First-Round Picks?
Despite the presence of several talented players on the Tennessee roster, the Volunteers do not appear to have a clear-cut first-round prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft. There are several reasons why this might be the case:
- Lack of Elite Playmakers
While the Volunteers have a number of solid players, they lack the true blue-chip talent that often defines first-round picks. Players like Jalin Hyatt, Darnell Wright, and Byron Young all have strong potential, but none have consistently dominated their respective positions at the level required to earn a first-round selection.
- Depth of Talent in Key Positions
In the 2025 NFL Draft, many positions that Tennessee’s top players occupy—such as wide receiver, offensive tackle, and edge rusher—are filled with exceptional talent. The depth at these positions has made it difficult for players like Hyatt and Wright to rise to the first-round level.
- Injury Concerns and Development
Some of Tennessee’s top players have battled injuries or have not fully developed into the players that scouts would expect to be first-round caliber. Additionally, the pre-draft process, including the NFL Combine and individual pro days, will play a crucial role in determining where these players land. If they do not perform at the highest level, their draft stock could fall.
- Team Needs and Draft Philosophy
NFL teams have different needs and philosophies when it comes to the draft. The lack of a first-round pick may also be due to the fact that teams are prioritizing other positions or players from different schools who offer a better fit for their needs. In a draft class with many talented prospects, the competition for those top spots is fierce.
Looking Ahead
Despite the lack of a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Tennessee Volunteers can take pride in the number of players who will likely be selected. With five draft picks projected, Tennessee is still well-represented in the NFL Draft, and many of these players have the potential to carve out significant careers at the next level.
While not every player may be a first-round selection, the Volunteers’ program continues to develop NFL talent, and the future looks bright for Tennessee as they continue to build for the upcoming seasons. If some of their draft prospects can improve during the pre-draft process and demonstrate their skills in individual workouts and interviews, there may still be opportunities for them to rise up the draft boards in the coming months.
For the Volunteers, the 2025 NFL Draft will be another step in their ongoing journey to rebuild and restore the program to prominence. Though they may not have a first-round pick, Tennessee is still producing NFL-caliber talent, and that is a positive sign for the future of the program.