Several former Vols players wait for name to be called in Thursday's NFL Draft

Multiple Tennessee Volunteers from the 2023 season are prepared for the next chapter in their hopes of playing pro football - as they wait for phone calls in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Running back Jaylen Wright is likely to be the first VFL off the board. One year after Tennessee produced the highest drafted SEC offensive linemen in Darnell Wright, the Vols likely will do the same at running back one year later with another Wright. Wright is considered one of the top three prospects at his position by most services and outlets.

Quarterback Joe Milton III is listed in most mock NFL Drafts for day three. Tennessee is seeking to produce back-to-back quarterbacks drafted under Josh Heupel and Joey Halzle. Milton's former roommate and teammate Hendon Hooker was drafted by Detroit in round three last year. UT has produced 15 quarterbacks drafted in the common draft era, which dates back to 1967.

Additional Vols who could hear their names called during the draft include cornerback Kamal Hadden, tight end McCallan Castles, wide receiver Ramel Keyton and running back Jabari Small.

ESPN, ABC and NFL Network will handle all three days of coverage. Round one begins at 8 p.m. ET Thursday. Rounds two and three get underway at 7 p.m. Friday. The final four rounds take place Saturday beginning at noon.