The Athletic's 2027 mock draft places Tennessee lineman Xavier Gilliam near the top

Tennessee defensive lineman Xavier Gilliam is drawing early attention for the 2027 NFL Draft. According to A to Z Sports, the latest 2027 mock draft from The Athletic has Gilliam being selected very high.

The recognition puts a Tennessee defender in the early conversation for that draft class, well ahead of the 2027 draft itself. Mock drafts this far out are projections rather than predictions, and much can change before players are actually selected.

For Tennessee, having a defensive lineman featured prominently in a national outlet's early mock is a sign of the regard Gilliam is attracting. His play from here will determine whether he stays that high as the 2027 draft approaches.