Breaking: Alontae Taylor Selected in NFL Draft

Jack Foster | Apr 29, 2022

Former Tennessee Vols defensive back Alontae Taylor has been selected 49th overall by the New Orleans Saints in the second round in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Taylor is the first Vol selected in the draft and the 85th Tennessee player this century. Taylor joins Josh Palmer as the first Vol to be drafted in his class in the past two drafts.

Taylor joins Shy Tuttle, Marquez Callaway and Alvin Kamara as former Vols on the main roster in New Orleans.

Like Taylor's 2021 teammate Velus Jones Jr., the Coffee County Central High School product put together a solid offseason going through the draft process. The Manchester, Tennessee, native received some attention at the Reese's Senior Bowl after recording an interception for the American team, the only turnover forced by the team in the game.

Taylor even received a specific shoutout from the Executive Director of the Senior Bowl, Jim Nagy.

Tennessee CB Alontae Taylor will undoubtedly gain traction around the league in April draft meetings. Followed up 4.36 official Combine 40 with 39 VJ & 11-1 BJ at today’s pro-day. DB coaches will pound table for him since he’s inarguably most innately physical corner in draft. 😡 pic.twitter.com/zQJRXdEiTt
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) March 30, 2022

Taylor went on to perform well at the NFL Combine with a 4.36 40-yard dash, which is tied for fifth among DBs who participated in Indianapolis.

Taylor opted out of Tennessee's bowl game against Purdue, and the extra time for preparation paid off for the VFL.

Although Taylor played cornerback at UT, he has spent some time working at safety this offseason to become a more well-rounded defensive back.

"It's different. It's something I know I can do," Taylor said at Tennessee's Pro Day availability on playing safety. "I played a lot of nickel actually, mostly nickel over corner. Knowing my IQ of the game and showing I know the Xs and Os of corner, safety and nickel showed a lot me and how I can go into any system, adapt to the playbook and play anywhere in the secondary."

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Published Apr 29, 2022

JACK FOSTER

Jack is a sophomore at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville majoring in Journalism/Electronic Media. Jack grew up in Paris, Tennessee, but now spends the majority of his time in Knoxville doubling as a student and sports journalist for Volunteer Country. Jack has been a sports junkie since he was a young kid and always watched NFL football with his dad on Sundays. Jack still follows the NFL religiously, as he is an avid fantasy football player. Jack started with Volunteer Country in May of 2021 and has since helped provide full coverage of football, baseball and men's and women's basketball. Jack also works as a recurring member of WUTK's Rock Solid Sports show on Wednesdays and Fridays, and he also serves as head sports producer of The Volunteer Channel's Vol News, a student-run show at the University. When Jack is not watching or covering sports, find him on the golf course or back home spending time with his parents, younger sister and friends. Follow Jack on Twitter and Instagram by clicking "Twitter" and "Instagram" to see all of his work with Volunteer Country as well as student media.