Ranking the top ten Tennessee NFL Draft picks of the past decade

Ranking the top ten Tennessee NFL Draft picks of the past decade.

Nov 12, 2017; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars defensive tackle Malik Jackson (97) celebrates as Los Angeles Chargers running back Melvin Gordon (28, not pictured) cannot convert on third down during the first half at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

No. 4: Malik Jackson (DL)

Selected by the Denver Broncos with the 137th pick (5th round) of the 2012 NFL Draft.

The lone Tennessee player taken in the 2012 NFL Draft, Jackson’s productive college career transitioned well to the NFL. His role as a backup defensive end in his rookie season developed into a critical role in 2016 when he gathered 34 tackles and five sacks while starting every game for the Broncos. Jackson also recovered a fumble for a touchdown in Super Bowl 50, giving the Broncos a 10-0 lead over the Panthers in a game they eventually won.

After his time in Denver, Jackson spent three seasons in Jacksonville, playing both defensive end and defensive tackle, and notching a career-high eight sacks in the 2017 campaign. After being released by the Jaguars in 2019, Jackson signed with the Philadelphia Eagles. His season was cut short in the Eagles’ 2019 season-opener with a foot injury, but Jackson remains under contract in Philadelphia.

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