3 Vols Taken In The 2018 NFL Draft

The 2018 NFL Draft concluded on Saturday evening, with a total of 3 Tennessee Vols selected. Rashaan Gauden was taken by the Carolina Panthers with the 21st pick of round 3 (No. 85 overall). John Kelly was selected with the 2nd pick of round 6 by the Los Angeles Rams (No. 176 overall). Kahlil McKenzie was the final Vol taken, coming off the board on the 24th pick of the 6th round to the Kansas City Chiefs (No. 198 overall). The Chiefs have already indicated that they plan to move him from defensive tackle to offensive guard. The Chiefs’ selection of McKenzie marks the 357th Tennessee Vol drafted into the NFL all-time.

Several other Vols were acquired as undrafted free agents, 11 of them to be exact. Elliott Berry will join his VFL brother, Eric, with the Kansas City Chiefs. Elliott's twin brother, Evan, was picked up by the Cleveland Browns, while elite punter, Trevor Daniel will join the Houston Texans. After drafting Alvin Kamara with the 3rd pick of round 3 last year, the New Orleans Saints loaded up on 3 more former Vols, acquiring Colton Jumper, Shaq Wiggins and Knoxville’s Josh Smith. Another Knoxville native, Brett Kendrick, will join forces with the Detroit Lions, while Emmanuel Moseley heads west to the San Francisco 49ers. Jashon Robertson gets to work with the best offensive line in the NFL, joining the Dallas Cowboys. Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Steelers acquired Kendal Vickers. Ethan Wolf gets to stay in the state of Tennessee, as he will head to Nashville and play with the Titans.

While it would be preferred to see more Vols drafted, having a total of 14 players joining NFL squads is encouraging, especially after last year’s 4-8 season. It is noteworthy that there has already been speculation that Gaulden may possibly start at the safety position for the Panthers in his rookie season. After Alvin Kamara was awarded with the NFL Rookie of the Year award last season, the sky is the limit for John Kelly, seeing as though they have similar bodies and running styles. Tennessee remains in the top-10 for all-time draft picks, and I believe this year’s class will soon make a name for themselves in the NFL.