2024 NFL Draft: Tracking where Tennessee players land
The 2024 NFL Draft has now come and gone. In total, three Tennessee players heard their names called over the weekend. The first Vol to come off the board was running back Jaylen Wright, who was taken by the Miami Dolphins in the fourth round.
The next Vol to be selected was quarterback Joe Milton III, who went to the New England Patriots. Finally, corner Kamal Hadden was also taken in the sixth round, by the Kansas City Chiefs.
Now, let’s identify how these players fit on their new teams and preview what we could expect in their rookie seasons.
Jaylen Wright, Fourth Round, Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins also drafted a running back, Devon Achane, in the 2023 NFL Draft. Achane played a big role in Miami immediately and is one of the most promising young backs in the league. The Dolphins also have veterans Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson Jr., and Salvon Ahmed on the roster.
Gone are the days when an NFL team had one bell cow and a few backups. Instead, the majority of NFL teams have several backs that rotate in. Wright’s explosiveness and ability to contribute in the receiving game should make him a perfect fit in Miami. Don’t expect the back to be heavily involved immediately, but he will make the team and see more action as the season progresses. Wright’s style fits perfectly in Miami’s offense.
Joe Milton III, Sixth Round, New England Patriots
The next Vol to be selected was quarterback Joe Milton III. Milton was taken in the sixth round by the New England Patriots. The Patriots already took North Carolina QB Drake Maye in the first round, so any discussion about Milton competing for a starting job somewhere is over.
This may seem like a bad landing spot for Milton, but I don’t think it is. Milton is incredibly raw and nowhere near ready to play in the NFL. In New England, Milton will be able to learn behind Maye and veteran Jacoby Brissett. Also, it probably helps that Milton will be coached by fellow VFL Jerod Mayo.
Kamal Hadden, Sixth Round, Kansas City Chiefs
Anybody who keeps up with The 1796 knows we are huge Hadden fans. I thought there was an outside chance Hadden could go in the fourth or fifth round, but instead, the corner also goes in the sixth.
Kansas City is a great landing spot for Mal. The Chiefs shipped star corner L’Jarius Sneed off to the Tennessee Titans, leaving Trent McDuffie as the team’s lone reliable corner. Hadden could not only make this roster, but he could even challenge for a starting spot. I do think Hadden will start off as a special teamer, but I would not be surprised if he forces his way onto the defense later this season.
We will update this piece if McCallan Castles, Ramel Keyton, or Jabari Small get drafted in the 7th round. This piece will also be updated with and undrafted free agent signings.