Thursday night marks the start of the NFL Draft, and while college programs around the country will be touting the number of picks their school produces, a few programs will be extra relieved to break extended draft droughts at particular positions. Today, we take a look at five programs that are likely to break droughts and analyze some of the misses at the positions over the years.
Tennessee: Safety - seven years
Rashaan Gaulden
AP Images
Last safety drafted: Eric Berry, 2010
Likely drought buster: Rashaan Gaulden
Biggest bust: Eddrick Loften
The Vols are responsible for producing one of the NFL’s best safeties in Berry, who has been a star since stepping onto the field as a rookie. But since then, producing draftable talent hasn’t come easy. The Vols have signed several four-star players since Berry who have had quality college careers, but none could break through with a draft pick. That streak should end this year, as Gaulden is thought to be a lock to be drafted, likely in the fourth-round range. Tennessee also has a few potential draft picks at the position on its current roster, namely former Rivals100 prospect Nigel Warrior.
You can see some other schools with droughts likely to end this week here.
Tennessee: Safety - seven years
Rashaan Gaulden
AP Images
Last safety drafted: Eric Berry, 2010
Likely drought buster: Rashaan Gaulden
Biggest bust: Eddrick Loften
The Vols are responsible for producing one of the NFL’s best safeties in Berry, who has been a star since stepping onto the field as a rookie. But since then, producing draftable talent hasn’t come easy. The Vols have signed several four-star players since Berry who have had quality college careers, but none could break through with a draft pick. That streak should end this year, as Gaulden is thought to be a lock to be drafted, likely in the fourth-round range. Tennessee also has a few potential draft picks at the position on its current roster, namely former Rivals100 prospect Nigel Warrior.
You can see some other schools with droughts likely to end this week here.
