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Patriots order Mayo at No. 10
Highest-drafted linebacker in UT history
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Consider it safe to say Jerod Mayo was the only first-round draft pick bagging leaves on Saturday.
Shortly before the NFL draft began Saturday afternoon, Mayo was doing a little yard work at his family home in Hampton, Va., before the nerves kicked in.
“I couldn’t do it any more after one bag,” Mayo said.
After that, Mayo sat on the porch and waited for his phone to ring. And he didn’t have to sit long before New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick called to inform him he’d been selected with the 10th overall pick.
“I’m excited, and I can’t even explain it right now,” said Mayo, who earned All-SEC honors last season after leading the Vols with 140 tackles.
Most analysts projected Mayo to be a late first-round pick, but his versatility — and youth — made him the right pick to add to a talented but aging group of linebackers for the defending AFC champion Patriots.
“He was a guy that everybody who scouted the SEC knew about,” Belichick said. “He’s a very productive player down there for Tennessee and has been for a couple years. He’s a versatile guy. He’s smart. He understands schemes and concepts. Really, I think he has a lot to offer.”
That includes a little history.
Mayo is the only linebacker selected in the first round by New England since Belichick became coach in 2000, and he’s now the highest drafted linebacker in Tennessee history.
UT defensive coordinator and linebackers coach John Chavis wasn’t surprised that Mayo was that high on the Patriots’ draft board.
“I said with about five or six games to go he was playing as well as anybody in the country,” Chavis said. “And I think other people realized that when they sat down and watched the film. The reason he was drafted there was obviously that he’s that kind of player, but character is factored in. I think that’s why he was able to achieve what he did.”
On Saturday, New England traded down from the 7th overall pick to the 10th and was still able to get Mayo.
“He’s been a very productive player in a top program and a top conference,” Belichick said. “I don’t think there’s much more he could have done.”
Indeed, Mayo appears to be ready for the NFL after playing just three seasons at Tennessee.
During his time at Tennessee, he played both inside and outside linebacker, and that versatility clearly helped him land in New England, which fell short of an undefeated season last year when it lost to the New York Giants in the Super Bowl.
Mayo said he is comfortable playing either inside or outside in the Patriots’ 3-4 scheme and wants to help wherever he can, whether it’s as a starter or on special teams.
“My mindset was set on any team I went to, I wanted to make an impact, either as a starting linebacker or on special teams,” Mayo said. “The NFL’s a whole new game. Everybody’s good. It’s more of a mental thing.”
That’s another reason why the Patriots liked Mayo.
During his pre-draft visit to New England, Mayo spent time learning a little of the Patriots defense. Once they finished describing a play, Mayo recalled, they erased the board and made him draw the play back from memory.
Mayo obviously passed the test, and that doesn’t surprise Chavis, either.
“He could go out right now and coach and teach it,” Chavis said. “He understands what we were doing. He’ll be the same way (in New England). He’ll be playing in a different scheme, but he picks up schemes really well.”
The NFL draft concludes today with rounds 3-7.
Quarterback Erik Ainge, tight end Brad Cottam, safety Jonathan Hefney and offensive lineman Eric Young are among former Vols expected to be selected today.
Notebook: Mayo’s selection marks the third consecutive year the Vols have produced a first-round pick. Defensive tackle Justin Harrell and wide receiver Robert Meachem were picked last year, and defensive back Jason Allen went in the first round in 2006. … Four SEC players (Arkansas RB Darren McFadden, LSU DT Glen Dorsey, Florida DE Derrick Harvey and Mayo) were picked in the top 10 and two more SEC players (Vanderbilt OT Chris Williams and Arkansas RB Felix Jones) went in the first round.
Drew Edwards covers University of Tennessee football. He may be reached at 865-342-6274.
© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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Posted by McMinnVol on April 26, 2008 at 4:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Congrats Jerod! We're proud for you.
Posted by murrayvol on April 26, 2008 at 4:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Would've preferred North Korea over the Patriots but he'll make a lot more money at #10 than #25.
Good luck, stay healthy, and invest well.
Posted by volfan73120 on April 26, 2008 at 4:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
murrayvol: I don't understand you post. Will you explain please?
Posted by smashmouth98 on April 26, 2008 at 4:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
sweet. good for him, now he has a shot for an early win.
go vols!!
Posted by thesavageorange on April 26, 2008 at 4:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
volfan73120, murray,like most people outside of Boston(including me),doesn't like the patriots.Well ,atleast he'll have a great shot at a ring.
Thanks for the memories Jerod!Like McMinnVol said: we're proud of you.Now get on that field and give me something to brag about.
Posted by thesavageorange on April 26, 2008 at 4:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The Darth Hood strikes again!!
Posted by murrayvol on April 26, 2008 at 4:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
volfan73120: I'll go with savageorange's comment although "doesn't like the Patriots" won't quite cover how I feel about Belichick and Co.
Posted by pjhaddix on April 26, 2008 at 5:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Congratulations, Jarod!! And like the others, thanks for the memories!
Yeh...don't care for Belichick, but I like little brother, Eli...and he's survived ok.
Posted by birddogtails on April 26, 2008 at 5:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Congrats Jarod! He is the only reason I can pull for the Pats.
Posted by auttat on April 26, 2008 at 5:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Didn't know that the NFL went 10 rounds.
Congrats to Jerod! Still hate New England, though.
Posted by tngeoff on April 26, 2008 at 5:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Congratulations! Very, very well deserved!
Posted by philfan on April 26, 2008 at 5:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Way to go, Jerod Mayo. This news could help us in future recruiting efforts for linebackers.
Posted by stroker on April 26, 2008 at 5:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
murrayvol close to my sentiments. But Congratulations Big Man.
Posted by Bigger_Al on April 26, 2008 at 5:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Jerod, Donte, and Kelly. I guess I can't hate the Patriots anymore...
You know, looking back at 2005, we lost both Jerod and Jason Allen to season ending injuries by the 1st half of the GA game. Think losing two NFL 1st round defensive draft picks hurt us at all??
Posted by thesavageorange on April 26, 2008 at 6:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hopefully the linebacker tradition continues.Jerod has solidified himself among the UT greats.
Remember these guys?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0qeHp...
Posted by yemmusdarb on April 26, 2008 at 6:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
hahaha, murrayvol that first comment was hilarious. i'm right there with you, i'd have rather seen him go play for Al Queda before the Pats. GO COLTS!! but i'll be a Mayo fan every week except Indy.
Posted by jimr07 on April 26, 2008 at 6:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
murrayvol--i am with you. my favorite team is whoever plays the Patriots. But, i am happy for Jerod and he got plenty of praise from the NFL channel.
Posted by nicksjuzunk on April 26, 2008 at 7:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Bigger_Al,
Donte split town already and Kelley can't get on the field. There is still reason to hate em'.
Anyway, I am shocked that he went so high. They were projecting 2nd to 3rd round when he came out but he went out there and gotter done so I'm happy for him.
Posted by miamiVOL on April 26, 2008 at 7:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
cant never blame a young man for going PRO if they can be a TOP 10 pick but B.Belichickkkkkkkk, is a cheata, he will thrive in their system, watch for Jerod, o.gaither & k.burnett to all make plays this yr
Posted by volntx on April 26, 2008 at 8:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
He Is going to a very good team that needs young LBs, what could be better for him.
Posted by Phowell23 on April 26, 2008 at 8:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Alot of great LB's in 2009 class. Maybe we can sell some of them on this draft. Congrats Mayo and good luck in the NFL.
Posted by UTfan4life on April 26, 2008 at 8:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
damn nice Jerod, seems like leaving early paid off
Posted by pdhuff on April 26, 2008 at 8:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Kudoes, lad, make some right decisions and you'll be set for life.
Posted by burntorangeVOLffle on April 26, 2008 at 8:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"You know, looking back at 2005, we lost both Jerod and Jason Allen to season ending injuries by the 1st half of the GA game. Think losing two NFL 1st round defensive draft picks hurt us at all??"
Actually no... our defense in '05 was statistically ranked in the top ten of every category and around 4 against the run that year. Our D did everything it needed to do to win games (like holding FL to 1 td and 3 FG when put in bad spots by turnovers). The O really, really let them down. BIG TIME!
Anyway, happy for Mayo but will 2nd all comments regarding Pats.
Posted by houvol on April 26, 2008 at 9:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Don't forget he did get his degree a year early.
I hope the Colts will work out a trade. Because lets face it the Patriots! Too hard to cheer for.
Anyway, Congrats and Good luck.
Posted by TurboFan on April 26, 2008 at 9:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Burntorange, while true that the 05 defense was stout there were let downs at times. Remeber Bama on 3rd down on their own three throwing a 25 yard pass for a first (don't remember the numbers exactly but close enough for gov't work)? Remember Vandy marching downfield in the 4th?
Posted by tsp4tnvols on April 26, 2008 at 10:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Jerod, wanted to thank you for all u have done for the VOL NATION, and our son. Tyler(our son) is your biggest fan and always will b. You always made sure he got to see u after the games, and when he asked for your gloves (mayo didnt wear gloves)he got in his gymbag and signed and gave him a new pair. You are a true rolemodel,good luck in all u do, and thank God for MAYO!!!
Posted by mparker on April 26, 2008 at 11:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
New England has ALWAYS used UT players, a lot more than, say Atlanta or New Orleans. Last season they had Kelley and Donte and maybe someone else (not sure). They also use a lot of SEC players.
If Payton had been a Pat, we'd probably all be NE fans now :)
Congrats to Jerod, best wishes on his career.
Posted by orangeblood on April 26, 2008 at 11:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I almost shed tears...i just wish we could get as many great, smart, "good-guy" athletes on our squad. We'll miss you jerod
Posted by Hunter on April 27, 2008 at 12:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I am really surprised he went that high - not that he didn't deserve, but I thought he was extremely underrated leading up to the Draft.
The Patriots are THE best drafting team in the NFL and this just proves it. They did their homework and didn't let Mel Kiper determine their next move.
As for the Falcons, they proved why they're historic losers. Geaux Saints.
Posted by burntorangeVOLffle on April 27, 2008 at 12:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)
WD40, I see your point but it’s hard to put the '05 Bama game on the defense. When you hold a team to 6 points you shouldn't lose. Plus that play at the end was covered. The WR just made a great catch. By Vandy they had given up.
On a side note, did anybody notice USC had SEVEN players drafted today? How have they not won a NC in the past 3 years with that much talent? (okay they played for one but still)
Posted by txsvol on April 27, 2008 at 1:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Congratulations to Jerod on his being drafted so high by the Patriots, but I still hate Bill Belichek. SAVol
Posted by kdt0725 on April 27, 2008 at 2:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)
What Tennessee fan could possibly spell Peyton's name wrong?
....just messin around with ya mparker.
Posted by Gigavol on April 27, 2008 at 4:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Just think how high he could have went if he'd stayed another year!
Posted by KingsportVol on April 27, 2008 at 7:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Just think how high Ainge would have gone if he had 4 more years.
Posted by THE_VOL on April 27, 2008 at 8:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Finally! SOMEBODY from this program can now win some championships in a TRULY ELITE program with a truly knowledgeable coach! All you Patriot/Belichick haters should learn to count - in the last 10 years the championship count is Pats/Bill THREE....Vols/Foolmer ZERO!!!
3,429 DAYS AND COUNTING PHILIP!!!!
Posted by invisiblekid on April 27, 2008 at 9:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I am glad to see Mayo get drafted as high as he did and also glad to see him go to the Pats unlike some. Not a fan of the Pats by any stretch, but I'd rather see him go to a team with a chance to win big than toil away in some wasteland like Oakland or Arizona. The other thing I was really concerned about was seeing him go to a team I truly hate, the Cowboys. They have a recent history of going after Vol LB's in Kevin Burnett.
Posted by jimr07 on April 27, 2008 at 9:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
THE_VOL-- I was under the impression this article was about Jerod Mayo and not a bash session of Fulmer. How often are we supposed to win the national championship? is it every five years, every ten? what? for your information prior to 1998 the previous one was 1951. Were you bitching all the years in between? by my count it was 47 years between national championships. why can't you post on an article without bashing fulmer? you are a sad person and an idiot to boot. I doubt that you will give me a time table about championships because you can't.
Posted by wewhite on April 27, 2008 at 9:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Way to go, Jerod! You'll be coming into an already great defense and should have plenty of time to learn their system under some solid, experienced NFL talent.
I was surprised that Cottam didn't go in the first round. All the NFL scouts had such glowing reviews of him. I guess sometimes it comes down to what priority positions the entire league needs. I think Hefney will go early. He's too much of a go-getter to pass up. I can't say I'm surprised that Ainge didn't go in the first two rounds. Even though his numbers are impressive, I think teams are looking at his inconsistency. But, who knows? In the right system, with the right coach, and with adequate time to get his "sea legs," he might end up across the field from Peyton some day.
NFL teams these days are savvy and trade single, higher draft picks for multiple lower picks. You can get some pretty good players that way (Favre, Brady). History has shown that place in the draft and actual NFL performance have a tenuous correlation.
Posted by jimr07 on April 27, 2008 at 9:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
wewhite--you are right about value picks in the lower rounds. i saw a startling statistic about first rounders. only 40% of them ever have outstanding careers. the can't miss prospects do.
Posted by VOLstuckINky on April 27, 2008 at 9:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
$$$$ - congrads Mayo ....... hopefully you have a pro bowl year in year 3 and get traded away from Nazi-iots
Posted by jimr07 on April 27, 2008 at 9:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
If Jerod does not make is as a player, maybe Bellicheat can teach him photography.
sorry Jerod. i am pulling for you even though it is the patriots
Posted by johnlg00 on April 27, 2008 at 11:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Auttat, was that a joke or do you not understand the difference between being the 10th player picked overall--i.e., in the upper third of the FIRST round--and being picked in the (nonexistent) 10th round?
Good points by jimr07 and wewhite--for all the time, tape, and ink expended on it, the NFL draft is the biggest crap-shoot in all of sports. That is one reason why most teams look to trade their high picks if they don't desperately need immediate help or evidence for their fans that they are trying to get better quickly. A look at the All-Pro rosters in any given year show almost NO correlation with draft position. Congrats, Jerod! We are proud of you and happy for you! I hope you are indeed a draft pick worthy of your slot...even if it is with the (ugh!) Patriots(:-()!
Posted by jimr07 on April 27, 2008 at 11:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
johnlg00--agree completely. it is amazing how few of the first rounders ever make. sort of like 3, 4 and 5* recruits.
Posted by whenson on April 27, 2008 at 1:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Congrats J. Mayo, best of luck to you in the future.
And congrats to Chief for putting annother top notch LB in the league. Our LB's always come out smart and understand the schemes needed for the NFL, that's a credit to coaching. Nice job coach.
Posted by DadwasaVol on April 27, 2008 at 4:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Congratulations Jerod. I don't feel like bashing your teams nor coaches Fulmer and Belichick like others here. I think it's great that you will get to play for the Patriots.
Posted by General_Watermelon on April 28, 2008 at 12:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Madden on Mayo - Mayo's a good football player, and when you've got a good football player playing good football, you've got really good football being played.
Posted by pdhuff on April 28, 2008 at 6:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Bless you Fritter for your insight. That was nearly Phil-like speak. Maybe there's another equal to "stay the course, work like heck, study the charts" out there, maybe not.
TDTN would have known.
Kudoes, Mayo - hope we don't miss you more than we suspect. Feel like LB play overall should be vastly improved. Hope!
Posted by rilawman on April 28, 2008 at 8:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
We here in New England are very excited about drafting Mayo. We trust Belichek and know that if he picked this guy higher then projected then there is a reason.
It is too bad that some here would rather see him play for "al queda" or North Korea
Posted by orangebloodgmc on April 28, 2008 at 9:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)
RILawman, we're just yapping around the watercooler. We are sending you guys a good LB in Mayo; I think you will be pleased.
Posted by johnlg00 on April 28, 2008 at 9:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)
rilawman, the main reason why some Vol fans, especially me, don't like the Patriots is merely that they are the chief obstacle to the Super Bowl for the Colts, who are led by Peyton Manning, who is the biggest UT star in the NFL. If Mayo is the player everyone hopes, he will help make that obstacle even tougher to overcome. We appreciate that over the years the Patriots have employed a number of ex-Vols, and most of us will be happy to see Jerod succeed with you. I think you have another winner in him.
On the Colts website, GM Bill Polian, who knows as much as anybody about how to build an NFL team, says that the NFL draft is such a gamble that any team that consistently "hits" on even 60% of its draft picks is well ahead of the game.
Posted by auttat on April 28, 2008 at 9:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
johnlg00, When the article originally showed up, which was a completely different article than this one, it said, "...by virtue of his 10th round selection."
It was corrected by the site staff, I assume.
Posted by pearlific on April 29, 2008 at 9:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
just one favor Jarod...when you're starting on monday night football please say you are from The University of Tennessee!
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