The 2025 NFL draft kicked off in the shadows of Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin on Thursday.
Former Tennessee defensive end James Pearce Jr. was selected by the Falcons at No. 26 overall in the first round. He is the first Vol to be selected in the first round of the NFL draft since the Bears selected offensive tackle Darnell Wright at No. 10 overall in 2023.
In addition to Pearce Jr., Tennessee prospects such as Dont’e Thornton Jr., Dylan Sampson, Omarr Norman-Lott and Cooper Mays are hoping to hear their names called on Friday and Saturday.
Ahead of rounds 2-3 on Friday, ESPN released an updated list of best available players after the first round. Where Tennessee prospect’s are ranked for best available are listed below.
Omarr Norman-Lott
Position rank: No. 4
Overall rank: No. 34
Dylan Sampson
Position rank: No. 5
Overall rank: No. 48
Bru McCoy
Position rank: No. 17
Overall rank: No. 148
Dont’e Thornton Jr.
Position rank: No. 23
Overall rank: No. 205
Elijah Simmons
Position rank: No. 30
Overall rank: No. 259
This article originally appeared on Vols Wire: Updated rankings for Tennessee’s NFL draft prospects after first round
The 2025 NFL draft kicked off in the shadows of Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin on Thursday.
Former Tennessee defensive end James Pearce Jr. was selected by the Falcons at No. 26 overall in the first round. He is the first Vol to be selected in the first round of the NFL draft since the Bears selected offensive tackle Darnell Wright at No. 10 overall in 2023.
In addition to Pearce Jr., Tennessee prospects such as Dont’e Thornton Jr., Dylan Sampson, Omarr Norman-Lott and Cooper Mays are hoping to hear their names called on Friday and Saturday.
Ahead of rounds 2-3 on Friday, ESPN released an updated list of best available players after the first round. Where Tennessee prospect’s are ranked for best available are listed below.
Omarr Norman-Lott
Position rank: No. 4
Overall rank: No. 34
Dylan Sampson
Position rank: No. 5
Overall rank: No. 48
Bru McCoy
Position rank: No. 17
Overall rank: No. 148
Dont’e Thornton Jr.
Position rank: No. 23
Overall rank: No. 205
Elijah Simmons
Position rank: No. 30
Overall rank: No. 259
This article originally appeared on Vols Wire: Updated rankings for Tennessee’s NFL draft prospects after first round
