2023 NFL mock draft: Two Vols projected as first-round picks ahead of combine

Two former Vols are projected as first-round selections in the 2023 NFL draft.

College Sports Wire released an updated mock draft Friday, and two Vols were projected to be selected in the first round of the 2023 NFL draft.

Wide receiver Jalin Hyatt is projected as the No. 25 overall selection by the Giants.

Hyatt became the first player in Tennessee history to win the Biletnikoff Award last season. He ranks fifth in receiving yards (1,267) and set a school record with 15 receiving touchdowns. Hyatt earned consensus first-team All-American honors in 2022.

Quarterback Hendon Hooker is projected as the No. 29 overall selection by New Orleans.

Hooker was named the 2022 SEC Offensive Player of the Year and finished fifth in Heisman Trophy voting. He set a school record for career completion percentage (68.8%) and finished fifth all time for career passing touchdowns (58). His 7,126 yards of total offense ranks sixth all time in school history.

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