Four Vols Hear Name Called In NFL Draft
The NFL Draft is in the books and for the second time in three years, the Tennessee Vols have had four players drafted in the first four rounds. The Atlanta Falcons traded back into the first round Thursday night and chose edge rusher James Pearce, Jr., with the 26th overall pick.
On Friday, Defensive Tackle Omarr Norman-Lott was chosen in the second round with the 63rd overall pick by the Kansas City Chiefs. Then on Day Three of the draft on Saturday, Wide Receiver Dont’e Thornton Jr. was chose with thr 108th overall pick in the 4th round by the Las Vegas Raiders. Then, 18 picks later with the 126th overall pick, the Cleveland Browns chose running back Dylan Sampson in the fourth round. The University of Tennessee says that a total of 17 players have been drafted in the Josh Heupel era, which started with the 2022 draft.. That is the highest four-year span of draft picks for the Vols since 17 heard their names called in the NFL Draft from 2005-08.
Three more Vols have been signed as undrafted free agents. Omari Thomas, who has seen work on both the offensive and defensive lines, was signed by the New Orleans Saints. Defensive Lineman Elijah Simmons has signed with the Arizona Cardinals. Finally, Defensive Back Will Brooks will sign with the Kansas City Chiefs.