Xavier Gilliam projected to Cowboys in NFL mock draft
The NFL draft will take place April 29 through May 1, 2027 at the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
Josh Edwards of CBS Sports released an updated NFL mock draft for the first round during Week 9 of the 2026 college football season.
Tennessee junior defensive lineman Xavier Gilliam is projected as the No. 20 overall draft pick to Dallas in the first round. The draft order is based on current NFL win-loss records and strength of schedule was utilized for tiebreakers.
“One of the biggest risers in the cycle to this point is Tennessee defensive tackle Xavier Gilliam,” Edwards said. “He has the quickness to hop gaps and create quick pressures, but he also has a diverse pass rush arsenal to win late in the down as well.”
The 6-foot-2, 305-pound junior has appeared in eight games during his first season with the Vols. He has recorded 26 tackles, 11.5 tackles for a loss, six sacks, two pass deflections, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.
More: Tennessee defensive lineman named to Bednarik Award watch list
1 / 17
Vols offer Tennessee football legacy after Alabama win
Tennessee Volunteers football versus the Alabama Crimson Tide at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on Oct. 17, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
1 / 17
Vols offer Tennessee football legacy after Alabama win
Tennessee Volunteers football versus the Alabama Crimson Tide at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on Oct. 17, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
2 / 17
AP Poll Top 25 after Week 7; where Tennessee football ranks
George MacIntyre. Tennessee Volunteers football versus the Alabama Crimson Tide at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on Oct. 17, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
3 / 17
Where DeSean Bishop ranks for rushing yards after Alabama game
DeSean Bishop. Tennessee Volunteers football versus the Alabama Crimson Tide at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on Oct. 17, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
4 / 17
PHOTOS: Tennessee football defeats Alabama, fans storm the field
Oct 17, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers fans celebrate on the field after defeating the Alabama Crimson Tide at Neyland Stadium.
(Randy Sartin-Imagn Images)
5 / 17
2026 Tennessee football: Updated record projection after Week 7
Jesse Perry. Tennessee Volunteers football versus the Alabama Crimson Tide at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on Oct. 17, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
6 / 17
PHOTOS: Tennessee football defeats Alabama, fans storm the field
Cooper Ranvier. Tennessee Volunteers football versus the Alabama Crimson Tide at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on Oct. 17, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
7 / 17
PHOTOS: Tennessee football defeats Alabama, fans storm the field
JJ Finch. Tennessee Volunteers football versus the Alabama Crimson Tide at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on Oct. 17, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
8 / 17
PHOTOS: Tennessee football defeats Alabama, fans storm the field
Trae’shawn Brown. Tennessee Volunteers football versus the Alabama Crimson Tide at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on Oct. 17, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
9 / 17
PHOTOS: Tennessee football defeats Alabama, fans storm the field
Oct 17, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers fans celebrate on the field after defeating the Alabama Crimson Tide at Neyland Stadium.
(Randy Sartin-Imagn Images)
10 / 17
PHOTOS: Tennessee football defeats Alabama, fans storm the field
Oct 17, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers fans celebrate on the field after defeating the Alabama Crimson Tide at Neyland Stadium.
(Randy Sartin-Imagn Images)
11 / 17
PHOTOS: Tennessee football defeats Alabama, fans storm the field
Oct 17, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers fans celebrate on the field after defeating the Alabama Crimson Tide at Neyland Stadium.
(Randy Sartin-Imagn Images)
12 / 17
PHOTOS: Tennessee football defeats Alabama, fans storm the field
Oct 17, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers fans celebrate on the field after defeating the Alabama Crimson Tide at Neyland Stadium.
(Randy Sartin-Imagn Images)
13 / 17
PHOTOS: Tennessee football defeats Alabama, fans storm the field
Oct 17, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers fans celebrate on the field after defeating the Alabama Crimson Tide at Neyland Stadium.
(Randy Sartin-Imagn Images)
14 / 17
PHOTOS: Tennessee football defeats Alabama, fans storm the field
Oct 17, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers head coach Josh Heupel looks on during the first half against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin-Imagn Images)
15 / 17
PHOTOS: Tennessee football defeats Alabama, fans storm the field
Oct 17, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers fans celebrate on the field after defeating the Alabama Crimson Tide at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin-Imagn Images)
16 / 17
PHOTOS: Tennessee football defeats Alabama, fans storm the field
Oct 17, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers fans celebrate on the field after defeating the Alabama Crimson Tide at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin-Imagn Images)
17 / 17
PHOTOS: Tennessee football defeats Alabama, fans storm the field
Oct 17, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers fans celebrate after defeating the Alabama Crimson Tide at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin-Imagn Images)
Follow Vols Wire on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).
This article originally appeared on Vols Wire: Xavier Gilliam projected to Cowboys in NFL mock draft
Source: sports.yahoo.com — article syndicated from the publisher’s feed; all rights remain with the original publisher.