A look at Tennessee players available for the NFL draft.
DE Robert Ayers (6-foot-3, 272 pounds): One of the most talked about players of the 2009 NFL draft. A virtual unknown until he turned in a solid 2008 season and impressed scouts with his play in the Senior Bowl and workouts in the combine. Versatile. Ayers could play linebacker or defensive end depending on the scheme. Ayers' drawbacks are immaturity early in college and a lack of productivity rushing the passer. First round pick.
OL Anthony Parker (6-2, 297): Rarely got his weight in check at UT. Has done so now that he's preparing for the NFL. An impressive offensive guard prospect with great pass-protecting skills who could also play center. Third or fourth round.
TB Arian Foster (6-1, 215): A tailback with bad ball security, sub-standard speed and character concerns. Yet is a solid receiver and has size to utilize when he doesn't bounce a run outside, as he's apt to do. A second round projection last year after his junior season. Fourth to sixth round pick this year.
DT Demonte' Bolden (6-3, 282): UT's recent defensive tackle history (John Henderon and Albert Haynesworth) should help Bolden who rarely lived up to his recruiting billing. Relies on speed and quickness rather than strength. A project player likely to be picked in the fourth to sixth round.
WR Lucas Taylor (5-11, 189): Foot injuries limited his explosiveness in college. Still, ran a 4.36 in the 40-yard dash in UT's pro day, which just might get him drafted. Six or seventh round or free agent.
P Britton Colquitt (6-3, 205): All the talent to be a top-notch punter. Suspended for five games in 2008 following a handful of alcohol-related incidents. Free agent.
OL Ramon Foster (6-5, 328): Size it good but it's unknown just where he fits in the NFL: guard or tackle. Tough player. Late round pick or free agent.
Tennessee's signing class for 2012
Tennessee defeats Georgia 3-2 in…
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Comments » 17
bsc819 writes:
Hopefully the Titans will get Ayres! Go Vols.
bsc819 writes:
I mean Ayers....
ArealVolFan writes:
I hope we do not take Ayers. He hasn't done enough to prove himself on the field.
smashmouth98 writes:
a little generous for arian. he'll be lucky if he is a UFA.
UTandETSUfan writes:
My projections (for what it is worth)
Ayers - Mid to late 1st rounder (possibly look for New England to move forward and take him as an OLB beside Mayo)
Parker - 3rd to 5th rounder
Foster - 4th to 7th rounder
Bolden - 5th to Undrafted
Taylor - 7th to Undrafted (undrafted more than likely)
Colquitt - Undrafted (will make someones offseason squad though)
Foster - Late 5th to Undrafted
Good luck to all the Vols though, make some noise in the NFL!
MrBamSeydu writes:
Sorry but I've never heard of a 280lb linebacker.
My projections:
Ayers - mid-first round, probably to the Redskins or Chargers.... as a DEFENSIVE END.
Parker - 4th round pick to the Rams as a Guard.
A. Foster - 6th round to the Saints.
D. Bolden - undrafted free agent
L. Taylor - 7th round to the 49ers.
Colquitt - undrafted free agent
R. Foster - undrafted free agent, will not make a team by start of season.
J. Briscoe - undrafted free agent
CT_VOL writes:
Hey, what about Josh Briscoe?
Frank
UTandETSUfan writes:
The patriots use a 3-4 defense, with an OLB that almost always rushes. The Chargers use the same system, and their "OLB" that rushes is Merriman. He plays at 275. That is only 5 pounds off from Ayers.
UTandETSUfan writes:
Thomas with the Pats, also a LB is 270+ and Hali w/ the Chiefs is 275
Most 3-4 Defenses have a large LB at 265 to 282.
UTandETSUfan writes:
285* sorry
murrayvol writes:
Adalius Thomas clocks in @ 270 which is close.
SignalMtnVol writes:
No mention of Josh "I'm laughing on the sidelines while we're getting killed" Briscoe? Good. I wish Nick Stephens had went ahead and slapped that smile off of his face.
kbart4033#247331 writes:
If Parker gets drafted--after reportedly FINALLY bothering to get in shape-- UT should sue him for the cost of
his scholarship. He was worthless the last two seasons. No work ethic. No leadership. Glad he is gone!
jack_2222#231746 writes:
You have any idea how little Haynesworth did at UT? One- that's one- career sack.
utallvol writes:
Shawn Meriman (San Diego)
nicksjuzunk#646117 writes:
My thoughts exactly. I was looking to see if anyone else posted that. When he declared I thought to myself, "who?". I couldn't believe he was drafted before John Henderson but they have both done well. Now that the money is in the bank, don't be surprised if Haynesworth mails it in each week... but I hope not.
beartn#223846 writes:
What were Foster's character issues? I don't recall ever reading about him getting into trouble. Did I miss something? This is a case where it's a shame he didn't come out after his Junior year. I don't know if he will have a long career in the NFL, but most 2nd rounders at least make the team in the year they were drafted, and get pretty good money.
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