Cory Anderson’s phone didn’t ring during the NFL draft on Saturday or Sunday, but the former Austin-East High School and Tennessee fullback still is heading to the NFL.

Shortly after the final round ended Sunday evening, Anderson agreed to a free-agent contract with the Houston Texans, one of at least four Vols to agree to deals after the draft.

Wide receiver Jayson Swain (Chicago), kicker James Wilhoit (Baltimore) and defensive tackle Matt McGlothlin (Kansas City) also agreed to free-agent contracts Sunday.

Some analysts projected Anderson to be drafted as high as the third round.

Anderson said he thought the fifth round was more realistic after visiting Green Bay, Baltimore and Kansas City before the draft, but he was not one of six fullbacks drafted.

"I’ve got to make something out of my opportunity," Anderson said Sunday night. "I didn’t get drafted, so I’ve just got to do it another way."

Wilhoit had his share of suitors.

The first-team All-SEC kicker turned down an offer from the Washington Redskins to sign with the Ravens, who want him as a kickoff specialist with the opportunity to take over as kicker when Pro Bowler Matt Stover retires in the next few seasons.

"It’s a great situation," Wilhoit said. "It’s a good opportunity to get my feet wet in the NFL. It’s great to be able to get some experience in NFL games without the pressure of kicking field goals."

McGlothlin’s chance arose out of Tennessee’s Pro Day in March.

Kansas City defensive line coach Tim Krumrie put UT’s linemen through drills, and McGlothlin impressed with his drive.

"He said he liked my motor," McGlothlin said.

In addition to the four players who agreed to deals Sunday, receiver Bret Smith, defensive back Antwan Stewart and center David Ligon also could sign deals.

Mitchell To Saints: Marvin Mitchell will be spending plenty more time with his old college roommate.

The middle linebacker and UT’s leading tackler last season will join Robert Meachem with the New Orleans Saints.

New Orleans took Mitchell with the 10th pick in the seventh round (220th overall) Sunday after taking Meachem 27th overall on Saturday.

"When they called my name, that’s the first thing I thought about," Mitchell said. "Me and (Meachem) are close."

Mitchell was just glad to hear his named called.

He thought he could be selected as early as the third round, and was getting anxious by the time New Orleans finally took his name off the board.

"I really didn’t even watch the first and second round. I knew I wasn’t going that high. I’m just happy to have the opportunity to go down there and play and live my dream out."

Gruden Happy With Sears: Tampa Bay coach John Gruden likes the SEC pedigree second-round pick Arron Sears brings to Tampa.

"I have a lot of respect for Phil (Fulmer), having worked for Phil in the past," said Gruden, a former UT graduate assistant. "I know he’s a heck of a line coach."

Sears, the Jacobs Award winner last season and a first-team All-SEC selection at left tackle, is expected to play at guard with a possibility he could play some at right tackle.

Speedy Wade: Cornerback Jonathan Wade’s speed was the biggest factor in St. Louis’ decision to take him in the third round.

"He was the guy ranked up there the highest, and you couldn’t move anywhere else away from that speed," Rams coach Scott Linehan said. "

Notes: The 11 first-round picks from the SEC Saturday set a record, topping the previous high of 10 picks in both 2005 and 1998. ? UT’s six total draft picks led all SEC schools except Florida, which had nine players selected. ? Vanderbilt and Kentucky were the only teams without a player drafted.

Drew Edwards covers University of Tennessee football. He may be reached at 865-342-6274.