Linebacker Jerod Mayo highlights this year’s draft class as a potential first-round pick, but five other Vols could hear their names called in this year’s NFL draft, which begins Saturday at 3 p.m. (TV: ESPN).

To help break down UT’s prospects, pro scout and publisher of the NFL Draft Insiders Guide and www.drafterinsiders.com Frank Coyle, UT football beat writer Drew Edwards and former UT and NFL defensive back and regular Sports Page contributor Fred White give their thoughts on UT’s players and when they’ll come off the board.

LB Jerod Mayo

Strengths

Frank: Very athletic junior. Big workouts moved him to the first round. He can play in both (3-4 and 4-3) schemes. He’s so athletic he can play either (linebacker) position.

Drew: He’s versatile and quick, with a nose for the ball and a good sideline-to-sideline player. Can play either inside or outside, although he’s likely an OLB in the NFL.

Fred: I think he’s smart and physical with good quickness. He’s explosive when he makes tackles. He has great change of direction and is a good pass-rusher as far as blitzing.

Weaknesses

Frank: Durability. Is he going to be physically and mentally ready for the NFL? You’d like a bigger body of work as far as readiness.

Drew: Durability could become an issue, although he played all 14 games last season. Can be long-time starter in the NFL.

Fred: He’s a great athlete, but he can work on cover skills, which won’t hurt him playing in the middle.

Projections

Frank: As high as No. 20 overall

Drew: No. 25-31 overall

Fred: No. 10-20 overall

TE Brad Cottam

Strengths

Frank: Had a real nice week at the Senior Bowl. Certainly one of the top blockers at the position this year, has really good hands. Probably one of the better all-around players.

Drew: Has the size and speed to be a major threat downfield, as well as a huge target in the red zone.

Fred: He’s a big target, and the NFL?s going to big tight ends. He can block. He also has the speed. Reminds me of Greg Olsen from Miami.

Weaknesses

Frank: Can he hold up for a 16-game season? He’s got to be technically sound to be a good blocker. He needs to play with technique.

Drew: Durability is the major concern with Cottam. Without wrist injury last year, could have been a first-round guy.

Fred: I think he can be a good player if he overcomes his injuries.

Projections

Frank: Top 100 pick

Drew: Late 2nd-3rd round

Fred: 3rd-4th round

QB Erik Ainge

Strengths

Frank: Had a real nice Senior Bowl, leading the game-winning drive. That made a big impression. Someone’s going to get a good developmental quarterback.

Drew: A student of the game with good accuracy, especially on short passes. Manages the game and the huddle well. He’s a smart player.

Fred: He does have a pretty good arm. Nice pedigree. His percentage means he makes a lot of good decisions. He’s a smart quarterback. He doesn’t force passes; he knows how to hit the check-down route. I think he can be like (Cleveland QB) Derek Anderson and surprise people if he gets an opportunity to start.

Weaknesses

Frank: He needs some mechanical work on his feet and his throwing motion.

Drew: A little light for an NFL QB, and arm strength on downfield throws could be a drawback. A backup for now, but could develop into an NFL starter with good coaching.

Fred: I know he’s tough. He’s taken a beating over his career. I want to see him handle that rush and step into the throw like Peyton Manning will do. I want to see him take a couple chances down the field.

Projections

Frank: Possible 4th, likely 5th-7th round

Drew: 5th-6th round

Fred: 5th-6th round

DB Jonathan Hefney

Strengths

Frank: Very mobile, sure tackler. He moves well and breaks on the ball. Fairly good level of development. I see him as a guy that?s going to play very early in a nickel or dime package. Maybe a Cover 2 safety.

Drew: Good break on the ball, and he can tackle well against receivers. He’ll play a more natural position at corner in the NFL instead of safety.

Fred: I think he has a great change of direction, good hips to be a corner. He has good instincts. He’s a guy I think can cover. Reminds me of (Denver DB) Dre Bly. He?s probably the steal of this whole team. I think he’ll play in the NFL for 6, 7 maybe 8 years.?

Weaknesses

Frank: There?s some size limitations.

Drew: At 5-9, a little small by NFL standards, and didn?t meet expectations as a senior.

Fred: I gave him a lot of flak over the season because I didn?t think he?s a safety. He will make tackles, but he?s not a hitter. He missed a few too many tackles over the course of the season.

Projections

Frank: 4th or 5th round

Drew: 5th-6th round

Fred: 4th-5th round

TE Chris Brown

Strengths

Frank: He’s an H-back. Can block on the move. The kind of guy that could be a starting fullback over time and certainly compete for the H-back role. With his versatility, he could make a roster and be a deluxe role player.

Drew: He’s versatile and played smart. Great hands, which could serve him well as a potential fullback/H-back in the NFL catching the ball out of the backfield.

Fred: He’s a big body, not very tall. Some of the best hands of most tight ends coming out. Knows how to get open. I think he’s tough. He’s not a road grader-type (blocker), but he can hold his own.

Weaknesses

Frank: He’s not going to be (an on-the-line) tight end.

Drew: Neither a true fullback nor a true tight end, which could limit opportunities.

Fred: He doesn’t have that split-the-defense-type speed. I think he’ll surprise some people. I think he can make a team.

Projections

Frank: Late round or free agent

Drew: 7th round-free agent

Fred: Free agent

OL Eric Young

Strengths

Frank: I think he’s an NFL starting guard. A kid that was a possible top 100 player, looked like he should be, but the (knee) injury clouds his status. A team could have a real gem if they?re willing to eat his rookie year.

Drew: Great all-around blocker with plenty of game experience. Should be able to make the transition to guard without much trouble.

Fred: If he didn’t get hurt, he would have been on of the top guys coming out at his position. He’s a really good tackle as far as pass blocking. He has long arms, good feet. He’s a tough guy. Could be a really good right tackle or left or right guard.

Weaknesses

Frank: Needs some development. Might miss half the year. He needs some technique work, but he’s really got the ability to be a road grader.

Drew: Durability after a season-ending knee injury, and projects better as a guard than tackle. He’s likely not ready to play a full NFL season in 2008.

Fred: Can he recover from his injury? I think he could do a little better blocking in the run game, but I think he has the desire for it and can be taught.

Projections

Frank: 5th-7th round

Drew: 5th-6th round

Fred: 4th-5th round

Other Vols

DE Xavier Mitchell

A two-year starter, lacks speed to be a major factor at end. Possible special teams player.

Projection: Free agent

DE Antonio Reynolds

Like Mitchell, a little slow for defensive end in the NFL, although he came on toward the end of 2007.

Projection: Free agent

S Ryan Karl

A special teams ace before starting two years at linebacker, could be a great special teams player at the next level.

Projection: Free agent

DT J.T. Mapu

Under achieved as a senior, but still a talented, mature player.

Projection: Free agent

DB Jarod Parrish

Saw limited playing time as a result of Eric Berry’s rise. Could be a developmental player.

Projection: Free agent

© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.