ESPN's seven-round NFL mock draft has four Tennessee players in top 40 picks

The NFL Draft is almost here. And it’s set to be a huge weekend for the Tennessee football program, with the potential of multiple first-round picks and another handful of picks spread across the seven rounds over the draft over the weekend in Kansas City.

“It’s important to those guys, first and foremost,” Tennessee coach Josh Heupel said last week during the Big Orange Caravan stop in Nashville. “Guys getting the opportunity to go live their childhood dreams out.

“It’s an awesome sign of the development of our program, guys that were playing their best football as we got here and on the backend of their careers. That’s a testament to our strength coach, our nutrition, our medical staff, everybody involved. And it’s a testament to those players. 

“As a coach, Heupel added, there’s nothing more rewarding than seeing your guys get an opportunity to get their name called (in the draft) and go live their dreams out. Excited about the fact that (it will) probably be five guys in the first couple nights. We’re going to find out where their NFL careers are going to start. Couldn’t be more happy for those guys.”

According to ESPN’s latest NFL mock draft, draft analyst Matt Miller had six Tennessee players getting drafted, including two in the first round on Thursday and four over the span of the first 40 picks.

Here’s a full rundown of the ESPN projections as Thursday’s first round moves closer: 

17. Pittsburgh Steelers — Darnell Wright, OT

Miller: “The Steelers haven’t selected an offensive tackle in the first round since 1996 (Jamain Stephens). It’s time. Wright is the best right tackle in the class and an immediate plug-and-play option. Coming from Tennessee’s up-tempo, air-it-out system, he’s ready in pass protection but has toughness in the run game. 

“An NFL area scout said, “Wright was one of the most improved players in the country and he did that with it being his first year at a new position.”

23. Minnesota Vikings — Hendon Hooker, QB

Miller: “One of the most popular texts I’ve gotten from evaluators throughout the past 10 days has been some form of “Watch the Vikings for Hendon Hooker.” That could be NFL scouts connecting dots, but the Round 1 talk for Hooker has been red hot since the combine and the Vikings do make sense for the dynamic passer. 

“With Kirk Cousins set to hit free agency following the 2023 season at age 35, finding his replacement should be a priority.”

35. Indianapolis Colts — Jalin Hyatt, WR

Miller: “The fleet-footed Hyatt is a perfect asset to combine with C.J. Stroud to restart the Colts’ offense. Hyatt, who won the 2022 Biletnikoff Award, had 15 touchdowns on 67 catches while averaging 18.9 yards per catch. He’s is a vertical stretch burner, and teaming him with Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce would give Indianapolis a legitimate WR room that can support a young quarterback. 

“With a healthy Jonathan Taylor returning at tailback and a new scheme brought in by coach Shane Steichen, this Colts team would suddenly be one to watch in the AFC South.”

39. Carolina Panthers — Cedric Tillman, WR

Miller: “The Panthers added Adam Thielen and DJ Chark in free agency, but they still need long-term options. Tillman was red-hot early in the 2022 season (37 catches, three TDs in six games) before a high ankle sprain shut him down. 

“He is a possession receiver who wins on breaking routes like slants and comebacks — which can boost a young quarterback like Bryce Young.”

72. Tennessee Titans — Byron Young, DE

Miller: “There’s no denying the Titans need another pass-rusher, and the speedy Young could be a great fit opposite Harold Landry III. The 250-pound Young ran an eye-opening 4.43-second 40-yard dash and jumped 11 feet in the broad — both among the best ever for a defensive end.”

255. San Francisco 49ers — Trevon Flowers, S

Flowers played in 43 games over the last five seasons at Tennessee, totaling 227 tackles — 129 solo, 98 assists — with 5.0 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks and five interceptions. He played in 33 games over the last three seasons.