The SEC had the most players selected in the 2020 NFL Draft with 63, but only two of those players were former Tennessee Vols (Darrell Taylor and Jauan Jennings).

Unsurprisingly, LSU and Alabama led the way with 14 and 9 players selected, respectively.

The amount of NFL draft picks a program is a good indicator of how well a program fared the previous season.

LSU won the national championship and Alabama finished second in the SEC West.

Tennessee, on the other hand, finished 8-5, which was tied with Texas A&M for the sixth best record in the conference.

The good news for the Vols is that they should have more players drafted in 2021, which would seem to indicate a better season on the way for Tennessee in 2020.

Here are the five UT players I think are most likely to get drafted next season. And a few other names to watch that could improve their stock in 2020.

Trey Smith — OL — Senior

This one is a given. Trey Smith would've been drafted this year if he chose to forego his senior season at Tennessee.

Smith was rated by ESPN's Mel Kiper as the No. 7 guard in the 2020 NFL Draft, before he announced his decision to return to the Vols. Based on how this year's draft played out, that would've had Smith being selected near the end of the fourth round.

But anyone who has watched Smith play, knows he's a first round talent. The only question is his health (the blood clots will be a major concern for any NFL team). If Smith can play in every game again in 2020, and practice more regularly (full contact), it could help lift Smith to the first or second round next year.

Deandre Johnson — LB — Senior

Deandre Johnson is a player that I've always believed has a lot of potential. And I feel like his senior season — especially with Darrell Taylor off to the NFL — will be the year he puts it all together.

Jeremy Pruitt knows how to use to outside linebackers to get to the quarterback. With Johnson entering his third season in Pruitt's system, it feels like a breakout season is inevitable. I think Johnson is one of the Vols that will raise his draft stock the most in 2020. Edge rushers are always a valuable commodity in the NFL.

Darel Middleton — DL — Senior

Darel Middleton has the size to play in the NFL (6-foot-7/306 lbs) and he proved last year against Alabama that he can be a very disruptive force on the defensive line.

Darel Middleton bull rushing 2-players at once. He is an absolute force on the defensive line. pic.twitter.com/rcN3I6L8FU

— CHANNEL TN (@CHANNEL_TN_) April 16, 2020

Middleton will be one of the Vols' key defensive lineman in 2020, so he should raise his draft stock quite a bit. I don't think he'll be an early round pick, but I could see Middleton going around the fifth round.

Josh Palmer — WR — Senior

Josh Palmer has spent his career playing behind Jauan Jennings and Marquez Callaway. But with those two heading to the NFL, Palmer should be the star of the show for the Vols in 2020.

Palmer is a fast wide receiver who has good size. He should shine as a vertical threat in his second year in Jim Chaney's offense.

However, the Canada native will need to show off his speed at the combine next winter. If he can showcase his speed, he should be a sixth or seventh round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Cade Mays — OL — Junior

Cade Mays going pro would be good and bad for the Vols. It would be good because it means he had a terrific season, but it would be bad because Tennessee would be losing a quality offensive lineman.

My first inclination is that Mays will stay two years at Tennessee to raise his draft stock as high possible and to also play two years with his brother, Cooper.

Mays, however, will be a hot commodity once he decides it's time to head to the NFL. He's a versatile offensive lineman that would instantly provide a lot of depth for an NFL team.

Mays' status as a potential draft pick in 2021 is dependent on him being deemed eligible for the 2020 season after his transfer from Georgia. 

Other names to watch:

Shawn Shamburger, Ty Chandler, Matthew Butler, Emmit Gooden and Jahmir Johnson are all players that could have a shot to be drafted in 2021 with solid senior seasons.

Featured image via Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports