For the first time since 1963, Tennessee didn’t have a player drafted in the 2015 NFL Draft.
The Vols could go two years in a row without any players selected as the 2016 NFL Draft in April approaches, but at least a pair of former Vols will get an opportunity to show what they can do at the NFL Scouting Combine, which will be held Feb. 23-29 in Indianapolis.
Defensive end/linebacker Curt Maggitt has received an invitation, as has surprise-early entry receiver Marquez North, according to the complete list posted on NFL.com on Thursday afternoon.
Maggitt, who opted not to pursue a sixth year of eligibility with the Vols following two season-ending injuries during his career, recorded 141 total tackles, 28.5 TFLs and 13.5 sacks in his 35-game career in Knoxville, which he split between defensive end and outside linebacker.
He could project as either in the NFL – perhaps even as a hybrid rush outside linebacker in a 3-4 defensive scheme.
North, who had a junior season that was derailed by nagging injuries, was a limited contributor in 2015, making just six catches in seven games for 58 yards. He never lived up to the promise shown his freshman year, when he made 38 catches for 496 yards and a touchdown. His potential, combined with an NFL-ready 6-foot-4, 225-pound frame, could earn him a look in the NFL, though he’ll certainly face plenty of questions about his injury history and lack of production in 2015.
