Vols legend Trey Smith sends important message to players not selected until day 3 of the 2024 NFL Draft
Tennessee Vols legend Trey Smith knows a thing or two about waiting until day three of the NFL draft to hear his name called.
Smith wasn't selected until the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs.
The former Vol, however, didn't let his low draft slot impact his NFL career. Smith, who fell in the draft due to concerns over blood clots that he dealt with during his time at Tennessee, has been a starter for the Chiefs for the last three seasons. And he has two Super Bowl rings to show for his work.
On Saturday, Smith sent a message to the players still waiting to hear their names called.
"To my Day three guys, don’t worry about the timing and circumstance," wrote Smith in an Instagram post. "All you need is one opportunity! Take nothing for granted and it will all work out in the end."
Tennessee running back Jaylen Wright, who was projected as a third round pick in numerous mock drafts, was selected by the Miami Dolphins on day three (round four) of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Other former Vols, quarterback Joe Milton and cornerback Kamal Hadden, are also waiting to hear their name called on day three.
The NFL draft is an inexact science. Late round selections and undrafted free agents often go on to have lengthy NFL careers while a couple of players selected in the early rounds, inevitably, will end up being draft busts.
As Smith noted, all a player needs is an opportunity. And if the talent and drive is there, it will ultimately all work out in the end.
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