NFL draft: Tennessee Vols' Cameron Sutton taken by Pittsburgh Steelers in third round
The fractured ankle could have sent Cameron Sutton’s draft stock plummeting.
The time away from the field and injury red flag could have prevented NFL teams from heavily pursuing Sutton in a draft filled with secondary talent.
Sutton never worried.
The former Tennessee defensive back was confident he could recover in time to prove he was still worthy of being an early-round selection.
Sutton’s persistence paid off on Friday night when the Pittsburgh Steelers selected Sutton in the third round of the NFL draft with the No. 94 pick overall.
Earlier in the third round, former Vol running back Alvin Kamara was selected by the New Orleans Saints with the No. 67 pick overall.
Sutton is the first UT defensive back selected since All-Pro Eric Berry went fifth overall in 2010.
The 5-foot-11, 188-pound Sutton was a four-year starter at UT. He finished his career at the program’s all-time leader in passes defended with 37 (30 pass breakups, seven interceptions).
In 45 games, Sutton recorded 127 tackles (111 solo), 13 tackles for loss and seven interceptions. The Georgia native’s 14.6-yard career punt return average is the best in UT history.
During the Senior Bowl and NFL combine, Sutton showcased his versatility with his willingness to play corner, safety and nickel. His special teams abilities made him an even more attractive prospect.
Sutton’s fractured ankle limited him to six games last season. The team captain could have stayed on the sideline and focused on his professional future, but returned for UT’s final four games.
“My biggest thing was not just shutting myself down. I still stayed around the team throughout the entire season. I was injured early in the year, but was at all the practices and at all the games,” Sutton said at UT’s pro day. “I traveled with the team and did everything with the team and was still engaged and around. Football is what I love. I’ve been doing it since 4 years old. You can’t keep me away for long.”