What Tennessee football coach Josh Heupel said about NFL Draft while in Nashville for first round

Josh Heupel was right where he wanted to be Thursday night interacting with Tennessee football fans at the Big Orange Caravan stop at Yee-Haw Brewing Co. 

The event did, however, force the Vols coach to miss the tradition he enjoys each year of watching the NFL Draft with his daughter Hannah.

"Draft night is a lot of fun," Heupel said. "My daughter and I always sit and watch the draft together. We're recording it this year and we'll get a chance to watch it tomorrow before the second and third rounds take place."

Heupel didn't have to worry about missing any Vols being selected in the first round. Most UT players are projected to be picked Saturday in rounds 4-7. That is something Heupel hopes to change as he heads into his second year at Tennessee.

He believes it's as important to have good players coming out of a program as it is to bring good ones into it.

VOLS RECRUITING:How a commitment from Greenbrier's Nathan Robinson helps Tennessee's in-state recruiting

GETTING STARTED:Josh Heupel had good first season as Tennessee football coach but should have won Music City Bowl | Estes

That has not been the case for the Vols recently

UT has had only three first-round picks over the last 11 years — wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (2013), offensive lineman Ja'Wuan James (2014) and defensive end Derek Barnett (2017).

That is a drop-off from 2000-10 when the Vols had 12 first-rounders.

The Vols have had only four players selected in the last three drafts. They had no players picked in 2015, 2016 or 2019.

"The development of our players is critical and we will be able to showcase in the draft the development of the guys that we're e bringing in," Heupel said. "We've got a great brand, we're able to recruit high-level players. Sending players into the NFL is important for any program."

Four Tennessee players are projected to be drafted — defensive lineman Matthew Butler, cornerback Alontae Taylor, wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. and offensive lineman Cade Mays — likely in the middle and late rounds. 

Heupel said his staff did a good job preparing those players for the NFL.

"You look at the guys that are going to be drafted this weekend or they're going to be in their rookie season in the NFL next season," Heupel said. "You see their development over the last 12 months; the value they gained inside our program. Changing their bodies. The way they played and competed. I'm excited for all of them and their future and that is a huge part of recruiting."

Tennessee’s recent recruiting hot streak under Heupel could have an impact on the NFL Draft in a few years. After all, talented recruits often develop into NFL prospects, Heupel said.

The Vols’ 2022 signing class was ranked No. 18 by 247Sports Composite and the 2023 class is No. 7.

"We want to recruit high-achievers; guys that have high-level goals, that want to play in the NFL," Heupel said. "Winning championships at the highest level in college and having the opportunity to showcase their skills and go into the NFL is important for the individuals we're recruiting and it's important to us as coaches. We want to maximize their value and ability to go play at the next level."

Reach Mike Organ at 615-259-8021 or on Twitter @MikeOrganWriter.