2026 NFL draft: Tennessee football best available players

TL;DR

The 2026 NFL draft starts Thursday in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with Tennessee having produced 391 all-time draft picks. Nine former Vols are ranked among the best available players ahead of the draft.

Key points

2026 NFL draft starts Thursday in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Tennessee has produced 391 all-time NFL draft picks
Seventeen players drafted during the Josh Heupel era
Nine former Vols ranked among best available players
Two former Vols selected No. 1 overall in NFL draft history

Mentioned in this story

George CafegoPeyton ManningJosh Heupel

TennesseeIndianapolis

The NFL draft will kick off Thursday with the first round in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Rounds 2-3 will take place Friday, while rounds 4-7 will conclude the NFL draft on Saturday.

Tennessee has produced 391 all-time NFL draft picks, including the AFL draft which merged in 1967.

Two former Vols have been selected No. 1 overall. George Cafego was selected No. 1 in the 1940 NFL draft by the Chicago Cardinals. Peyton Manning was also drafted No. 1 overall in 1998 by Indianapolis.

17 Tennessee players have been drafted during the Josh Heupel era.

Ahead of the 2026 NFL draft, ESPN released best available player rankings for 400 prospects, including nine former Vols who are listed below.

More: Where former Vols are projected in 2026 seven-round NFL mock draft