We know it’s going to be a relatively quiet year in the NFL Draft for former Vols, but at least one is projected to be drafted by a very credible source.
Dane Brugler of CBS Sports and NFLDraftScout.com released a seven-round mock draft earlier this week and tabbed North as a sixth-round pick (No. 208 overall) to the New England Patriots – a franchise that certainly would give North a good chance to maximize his physical tools that never quite panned out on a consistent basis at UT.
North’s productivity declined every year at UT after a promising freshman campaign in 2013 as he battled various injuries and overall inconsistency. Playing in just seven games as a junior, North caught six passes for 58 yards, but decided to forego his senior season anyhow for a chance at the pros.
He’s been one of the stars of the offseason workout circuit – posting a 4.48 second 40-yard dash, a 35-inch vertical leap and 17 reps at 225 pound on the bench press at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. He then improved his 40 time with a 4.42 at UT’s Pro Day in March.
The combination of that athleticism and his 6-foot-2, 223-pound frame make him a tempting prospect for NFL teams despite his junior season, and perhaps a team like the Patriots will take a chance on shaping him into the player that many thought he could be earlier in his UT career.
Linebacker/defensive end Curt Maggitt, safety Brian Randolph, defensive tackle Owen Williams and offensive lineman Kyler Kerbyson are among the other Vols who are hoping to hear their name called towards the end of next week’s draft.
