2023 NFL Mock Draft: The Tennessee Volunteers have two potential first-round picks.

The Tennessee Volunteers are nearing the end of their best season in over 20 years, capping things off with an Orange Bowl victory over Clemson. Josh Heupel turned everything around quickly in Knoxville. This means Tennessee will pump talent into the professional ranks this offseason.

Tennessee has sent many players to the NFL Draft in recent years, but frankly, it’s been a long time since there was first-round hype around them. To find the final first-round pick, you’ll have to go all the way back to 2017. It was Derek Burnett who was transferred to the Eagles. before that? It was Juwan James in 2024 who moved to the Dolphins.

That may change this year. Inspiring receiver Jarrin Hyatt declared that he chose to turn pro after his junior season. The Biletnikov Trophy winner showed his full potential in his third year, burning through defense all season and powering Huippel’s uptempo offense.

Solid right tackle Darnell Wright also declared and looked to benefit from a very strong senior season. Edge rusher Byron Young joins him and is likely to be a Day 2 pick. I’m here.

For Hyatt and Wright, it’s likely going on the first night of the draft, at least for now. Here are some predictions.

Jarin Hyatt

DraftWire: RD1, 25th overall

CBS Sports: RD1, 23rd overall

Darnell Wright

DraftWire: RD1, 30th overall

Pro Football Network: RD1, 28th overall

The process is just beginning, and while we wait until late April, things will change dramatically. But Wright’s tape this year is great, and Hyatt might actually blow up his NFL combine. In the past, we’ve seen speed push people over the board and give teams traits they can’t teach.

A lot of mock drafts don’t have Wright or Hyatt in the first round, but again, we’re very early in the process. I think it warms up a bit more towards the Hyatt.

The NFL Draft is scheduled for Thursday, April 27th and runs through Saturday, April 29th.