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 listFollow Vols Wire on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).This article originally appeared on Vols Wire: Xavier Gilliam projected to Cowboys in NFL mock draft