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As far as the NFL draft goes, Sunday was a pretty easy day for Brad Cottam.

Tennessee’s 6-foot-8 tight end figured to be a third-round pick. Sure enough the Memphis native came off the board with the 77th overall pick, going to the Kansas City Chiefs in the third round.

For Cottam, the waiting was over well before noon.

“I’m definitely glad it’s over and I wasn’t sitting there waiting anymore,” Cottam said. “It was tough. It was only 45 minutes or an hour (Sunday), but it was still tough waiting that long. I’m glad it’s over and glad I know what I’m doing now.”

Cottam only played in five games this season after breaking his wrist in UT’s final preseason scrimmage.

He caught just five passes for 125 yards and a touchdown last season, but impressed scouts and executives with his workouts leading up to the draft.

He’s also going to a place with some familiar faces.

Cottam is the third Tennessee player drafted by the Chiefs in the last four years, joining defensive tackle Turk McBride (2007) and punter Dustin Colquitt (2005).

“It’s always good to go somewhere you already know some people,” he said. “It’s nice to know there are people who are there that I know.”

Quarterback Erik Ainge, offensive lineman Eric Young and defensive back Jonathan Hefney are among former Vols waiting to hear their names called as the NFL draft continues.

Check GoVolsXtra for more updates throughout the day.

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

© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.