LOOK: Josh Heupel congratulates Alontae Taylor after NFL Draft selection
Alontae Taylor is heading to the NFL, going to the New Orleans Saints in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft on Friday. After the announcement, his former head coach took to Twitter to congratulate him.
Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel tweeted his congratulations to Taylor, who had quite a year for the Volunteers in 2021. He was the first Tennessee player going off the board, heading to the Saints as the No. 49 overall pick.
Heupel seemed more than excited for Taylor as he takes his next step in his career. Take a look.
Taylor had a huge year in 2021 under Heupel’s watch. He had 60 total tackles, six pass deflections and two interceptions to help the Volunteers to a 7-6 record, including a Music City Bowl victory over Purdue in overtime.
New Orleans Saints select Tennessee cornerback Alontae Taylor in 2022 NFL Draft
The New Orleans Saints are banking on Tennessee product Alontae Taylor to come in and give their secondary a boost. After playing a pivotal role throughout his time in Knoxville, the former Volunteers defensive back will be expected to do the same in his NFL career.
That’s why the Saints took him off the board early in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft on Friday night, picking him No. 49 overall.
In his four seasons with the Volunteers, Taylor proved why NFL teams were intrigued by his ability. Last season, the star cornerback helped lay a foundation for first-year Tennessee coach Josh Heupel, as the Volunteers look primed for good days ahead under their second-year coach. In 2021, Taylor accumulated 60 total tackles, six pass deflections and two interceptions in a loaded SEC.
Most importantly to New Orleans, Taylor possess immense athletic gifts that allow him to be one of the more intriguing defensive back prospects in the 2022 NFL Draft. At the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine, the former Tennessee star ran a blazing 4.41 in the 40 Yard Dash, which was one of the top scores among the defensive backs group.