6. No Vols taken in NFL draft
For the first time since 1963, no Vols were taken in an NFL draft this year. 2015 marked the end of a 51-year streak for UT’s football program, as no Vol senior was selected in the seven rounds of the 2015 NFL draft.
While cornerback Justin Coleman and punter Matt Darr have performed well after being signed as undrafted free agents by the New England Patriots and Miami Dolphins respectively, but no Vols were taken in the draft this year for the first time in half a century. The drop-off in talent was evident on the field for the Vols during the Derek Dooley era and in Butch Jones’s first year at the helm, but it hit an all-time low in terms of perception earlier this year.
The 2014 Vols had more talent than the 2013 squad, but most of that came from young players who weren’t draft-eligible. Linebacker A.J. Johnson was widely regarded as Tennessee’s best shot at getting a player drafted, but after sexual assault allegations ended his senior season early, his draft stock plummeted and the Vols were left without much of a chance at seeing a player drafted.
The 2016 NFL draft may see another draft without a Vol selected unless some players declare early. But seeing a 51-year streak come to a close wasn’t fun to watch for any Vol fan.
