The bowl season gives fans and scouts alike a chance to analyze NFL Draft prospects against solid competition. Bowl scheduling allows all eyes to be on each game. Here are the NFL Draft prospects in the 2025 Music City Bowl.
Tennessee Volunteers Draft Prospects
Colton Hood, CB
Hood started his career at Auburn, where he played one season. He had three total tackles that season before tranfering to Colorado for the 2024 season. He posted 24 total tackles, two interceptions and six passes defended for the Buffaloes. For the 2025 season, he transferred to Tennessee. He was one of the best corners in the country with 50 total tackles, eight passees defended and one interception.
He stands at 6-foot and 195 pounds, which gives him decent size for an NFL corner. Hood plays an aggressive brand of football and isn’t afraid to help against the run. He is good in man-to-man coverage. His tackling is inconsistent and there will be questions about his long speed, but Hood has played well this season.
Projected Draft Range: First Round Pick-Second Round Pick
Joshua Josephs, EDGE
Josephs joined Tennessee in 2022 and played a bit, registering 12 tackles. He improved in 2023 to regsiter 20 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and three sacks. For the 2024 season, he tallied 39 tackles, nine tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. This season has been his best yet with 33 total tackles, six tackles for loss and four sacks.
At 6-foot-3 and 240 pounds, Josephs is a little undersized for an edge rusher and can continue to fill out his frame. He’s flexible and sets the edge well against the run. His pass rush moves are effective. Josephs will need to work on his hand usage and pad level in the NFL.
Projected Draft Range: Second Round Pick-Third Round Pick
Other Draft Prospects: QB Joey Aguilar (6th-UFA), OT Lance Heard (6th-UFA), IOL Wendell Moe Jr. (UFA), EDGE Caleb Herring (UFA), TE Miles Kitselman (UFA), DL Daevin Hobbs (UFA), IOL Shmurad Umarov (UFA)
Opt-Outs/Injuries:
CB Jermod McCoy (1st-2nd), WR Chris Brazzell (2nd-3rd), LB Arion Carter (6th-UFA)
Illinois Fighting Illini Draft Prospects
Xavier Scott, S
Scott joined with Illinois in 2022 and played a bit with 15 total tackles. He was an All-Big Ten Honorable Mention with 57 total tackles, two interceptions and 11 passes defended. For the 2024 season, Scott amassed 49 total tackles, four interceptions and six passes defended on his way to All-Big Ten Second Team (coaches) honors. He has only played in three games this season with an injury, but has totaled six tackles and two passes defended.
At 5-foot-11 and 195 pounds, Scott is a little undersized for the NFL. He may be smaller, but he plays hard and has shown to make plays on the ball. His versatility to play multiple positions in the secondary will help his stock.
Projected Draft Range: Third Round Pick-Fifth Round Pick
Tanner Arkin, TE
Arkin spent the first two college seasons of his career at Colorado State. With the Rams, he caught 15 passes for 125 yards. He transferred to Illinois before the 2023 season. With the Fighting Illini, Arkin has caught 28 catches for 203 yards and six touchdowns.
He stands at 6-foot-4 and 265 pounds, which is great size for an NFL tight end. He doesn’t have great receiving production, but has had success as a blocker. If he can show some skill on special teams, he could be an asset to an NFL team.
Projected Draft Range: Fourth Round Pick-Sixth Round Pick
Other Draft Prospects:
QB Luke Altmyer (6th-UFA), WR Hank Beatty (6th-UFA), IOL Brandon Henderson (UFA), RB Kaden Feagin (UFA), S Matthew Bailey (UFA), LB Dylan Posiek (UFA), TE Cole Rusk (UFA)
Opt-Outs/Injuries: EDGE Gabe Jacas (2nd-3rd), OT JC Davis (5th-7th)
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