KNOXVILLE — It is time for the 2020 NFL Draft.
On the eve of the 2020 event, Vols Wire takes a look back at the 2000 NFL Draft.
In 2000, the Volunteers had a pair of first-round picks.
Running back Jamal Lewis was taken fifth overall by the Baltimore Ravens. At No. 12, the New York Jets selected defensive tackle Shaun Ellis.
Lewis, who also played for the Cleveland Browns later in his career, was the NFL’s Offensive Player of the Year in 2003 and was named to the league’s 2000s All-Decade Team.
He also led the NFL in rushing in 2003 and won Super Bowl XXXV with the Ravens.
Ellis, a two-time Pro Bowler played for New York between 2000-10 before moving to New England for his final pro campaign in 2011.
The Vols had five more players taken in the second round as linebacker Raynoch Thompson was selected No. 41 by the Arizona Cardinals. Chad Clifton went to Green Bay at No. 44.
The Cowboys took Dwayne Goodrich at No. 49, as Cosey Coleman went to Tampa Bay at No. 51 and Deon Grant went to Carolina with the 57th selection.
In the third round, Darwin Walker went to the Cardinals with the 71st overall pick.
Quarterback Tee Martin went to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fifth round.