April 26, 2017
Agee Bio 
| Butler Bio | Cunningham Bio | Gouger Bio | Holden Bio | Jelks Bio | McGaster Bio | Mitchell Bio | Rayford Bio | Sims Bio | Thomas Bio
For 11 Vanderbilt standouts, the opportunity to chase a professional playing career could start Thursday when the NFL Draft kicks off in Philadelphia.
The three-day draft, which opens Thursday with first-round selections, starts the clock for linebackers Zach Cunningham, Nehemiah Mitchell and Ja’karri Thomas, defensive linemen Torey Agee and Adam Butler, offensive linemen Barrett Gouger, Will Holden and Andrew Jelks, receivers Latevius Rayford and Darrius Sims, and cornerback Torren McGaster.
The draft-eligible Commodores are led by Cunningham, the unanimous 2016 All-America linebacker who could become the 10th Vanderbilt player selected in the first round — and first since offensive tackle Chris Williams was picked No. 14 overall by the Chicago Bears in 2008.
Cunningham, from Pinson, Ala., is considered one of the elite linebackers available to NFL teams. The SEC’s leading tackler in 2016 brings a unique combination of speed, athleticism, savvy and ball-hawking abilities to the position.
“I’m excited for Zach because he’s a tremendous talent and a proven player. His tape speaks for itself,” Commodore head coach Derek Mason said. “He’s also a multi-dimensional defender, a guy that can be effective in either a 3-4 or 4-3 defense. That versatility makes him very unique.”
Cunningham could also become the first Commodore linebacker ever picked in the first round. That’s where most draft analysts see Cunningham going — with the Oakland Raiders, Kansas City Chiefs, Miami Dolphins and New York Giants as the most likely suitors.
Holden, a 2016 All-Southeastern Conference pick and three-year offensive line starter, has improved his draft stock greatly after an impressive end to the 2016 regular season and strong performances at the Reese’s Senior Bowl, East-West Shrine Game and NFL Scouting Combine. Most draft expects expect Holden to hear his name called, perhaps as early as the third round.
“Will has played a lot of great football during his Vanderbilt career, and he really came into his own last year,” Mason said. “He has the frame NFL teams are looking for and brings the ability to play multiple positions.”
Linebacker-defensive end Stephen Weatherly (Minnesota, 7th Round) was the only Vanderbilt player drafted last year. The last time multiple Commodores were selected was in 2014: WR Jordan Matthews (Philadelphia, 2nd Round), OL Wesley Johnson (Pittsburgh, 5th Round) and DB Andre Hal (Houston, 7th Round).
NFL Network and ESPN will start draft coverage Thursday at 7 p.m. CT. The two networks will start coverage of Rounds 2-3 Friday at 6 p.m., and Rounds 4-7 Saturday at 11 a.m.
Vanderbilt — NFL Draft Facts
• Quarterback Bill Wade is Vanderbilt’s only No. 1 overall pick. He was selected first overall by the Los Angeles Rams in 1952. Wade, a lifelong resident of Nashville, eventually guided the Chicago Bears to the 1963 NFL championship.
• Cunningham hopes to become the 10th Commodore selected in the first round. Besides Wade and Williams, others are QB Jay Cutler (No. 11 by Denver, 2005), OL Will Wolford (No. 20 by Buffalo, 1986), CB Leonard Coleman (No. 8 by Baltimore Colts, 1984), RB Tom Moore (No. 5 by Green Bay, 1960), RB Phil King (No. 12 by N.Y. Giants, 1958), RB Charley Horton (No. 11 by Los Angeles Rams, 1956) and RB Jack Jenkins (No. 10 by Washington, 1943).
• Since the draft was reduced to its current seven-round format in 1994, the most Vanderbilt players selected came in 2001 when four Commodores were taken: LB Jamie Winborn (2nd round), LB Matt Stewart (4rd round), PK John Markham (5th round), and DB Jimmy Williams (6th round).
• Six Commodores is the most ever taken in a single draft. It happened in 1956 and 1959, when the draft extended beyond 30 rounds.
| Vanderbilt Draft Picks in Last 20 Years | |||
| Year | Player | NFL Team | Draft Selection |
| 2016 | Stephen Weatherly, DE/OLB | Minnesota | 7th Round, 227th pick |
| 2014 | Jordan Matthews, WR | Philadelphia |
2nd Round, 42nd pick Wesley Johnson, OL Pittsburgh 5th Round, 173rd pick Andre Hal, DB Houston 7th Round, 216th pick2013 Zac Stacy, RB St. Louis 5th Round, 160th pick Ryan Seymour, OL Seattle 7th Round, 220th pick2012 Casey Hayward, DB Green Bay 2nd Round, 62nd pick Tim Fugger, DE Indianapolis 7th Round, 214th pick2010 Myron Lewis, DB Tampa Bay 3rd Round, 67th pick Thomas Welch, OL New England 7th Round, 208th pick2009 D.J. Moore, DB Chicago 4th Round, 119th pick2008 Chris Williams, OL Chicago 1st Round, 14th pick Earl Bennett, WR Chicago 3rd Round, 70th pick Jonathan Goff, LB N.Y. Giants 5th Round, 164th pick2006 Jay Cutler, QB Denver 1st Round, 11th pick2005 Jovan Haye, DL Carolina 6th Round, 189th pick Justin Geisinger, OL Buffalo 6th Round, 197th pick2003 Hunter Hillenmeyer, LB Green Bay 5th Round, 166th pick2001 Jamie Winborn, LB San Francisco2nd Round, 47th pick Matt Stewart, LB Atlanta 4th Round, 102nd pick John Markham, PK N.Y. Giants 5th Round, 160th pick Jimmy Williams, DB Buffalo 6th Round, 196th pick1999 Fred Vinson, DB Green Bay2nd Round, 47th pick1998 Corey Chavous, DB Arizona 2nd Round, 33rd pick Jamie Duncan, LB Tampa Bay3rd Round, 84th pick Anthony Jordan Indianapolis 5th Round, 135th pick