Updated April 25, 2026, 6:46 p.m. ET
Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar knew that if his identify was referred to as in the 2026 NFL Draft, it might be late on Day 3.
That day has come, and that point is approaching. The NFL draft is wrapping up on April 25 (ESPN, ABC, NFL Network) with Rounds 4-7 from Pittsburgh.
Aguilar, an overachiever who started his journey as a junior college walk-on, remains to be on the draft board. He is ranked third amongst finest quarterbacks obtainable, in response to ESPN. The query is whether or not he’ll stay there.
Aguilar might be 25 years outdated when the 2026 season begins. And he’s recovering from surgery to remove a benign tumor on his throwing arm.
But Aguilar handed for 13,317 yards and 101 touchdowns in 5 faculty seasons, together with Diablo Valley Community College (2021-22), Appalachian State (2023-24) and Tennessee (2025). And he led the SEC in passing yards in the course of the 2025 common season.
Here’s a fast take a look at Aguilar’s draft inventory heading into the ultimate day.
Where Joey Aguilar ranks amongst finest QBs obtainable
There quarterbacks had been chosen in the draft: Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza (No. 1 to Las Vegas Raiders); Alabama’s Ty Simpson (No. 13 to Los Angeles Rams); Miami’s Carson Beck (No. 65 to Arizona Cardinals); Penn State’s Drew Allar (Pittsburgh Steelers); Clemson’s Cade Klubnik (No. 110 to New York Jets); North Dakota State’s Cole Payton (No. 178 to Philadelphia Eagles); Arkansas’ Taylen Green (No. 182 to Cleveland Browns); Rutgers’ Athan Kaliakmanis (No. 223 to Washington Commanders); Texas Tech’s Behren Morton (No. 234 to New England Patriots); LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier (No. 249 to Kansas City Chiefs).
Aguilar is ranked third amongst quarterbacks remaining on ESPN’s board. Here’s the total listing in order of finest obtainable:
- Luke Altmyer (Illinois)
- Sawyer Robertson (Baylor)
- Joey Aguilar (Tennessee)
- Haynes King (Georgia Tech)
- Joe Fagnano (UConn)
- Diego Pavia (Vanderbilt)
- Jalon Daniels (Kansas)
Which NFL groups may decide Joey Aguilar
NFL.com projected Aguilar as a sixth or seventh-round decide. But he’s appeared in just a few mock drafts.
Aguilar probably would start his profession as a third-string quarterback in hopes of finally incomes a backup spot – that’s, if he makes an NFL roster. He might try this as a late-round decide or an undrafted free agent, however there’s little distinction between these designations.
That’s why Aguilar odds of being drafted as so unpredictable. It largely will depend on whether or not a crew actually likes him as a developmental quarterback and if it thinks he’ll be obtainable after the draft.
NFL Network’s Chad Reuter projected Aguilar being picked by the Green Bay Packers with the 236th decide in the seventh spherical.
Initially, CBS Sports’ Josh Edwards projected that Aguilar would go to the Indianapolis Colts with the 214th decide in the sixth spherical.
But the CBS Sports cumulative mock draft projected Aguilar going to the Packers with the 255th decide in the seventh spherical.
Joey Aguilar scouting report in 2026 NFL Draft
Aguilar is an even-keeled assured quarterback who’s been doubted all through his profession, however he’s succeeded at every degree. His age, maturity and expertise in quite a few offenses may very well be helpful as a QB3 in the NFL.
In junior faculty, Aguilar walked on and beat out an skilled starter for the QB1 job. At Appalachian State, he once more went from backup to distinctive starter. And at Tennessee, he gained a preseason competitors and had one of the crucial productive passing seasons in program historical past.
Aguilar is a 6-foot-3, 229-pounder. He hangs in the pocket underneath strain. He has a fast launch and good contact on deep passes. And he’s aggressive in passing over center. But his accuracy typically slipped, and his aggressiveness led to too many interceptions.
Aguilar produced on the FBS degree. In 2023, he handed for 3,757 yards, 33 TDs and 10 interceptions at Appalachian State. And in 2024, he handed for 3,003 yards, 24 TDs and 14 interceptions.
At Tennessee, Aguilar handed for 3,565 yards, 24 TDs and 10 interceptions in 2025.
Adam Sparks is the Tennessee soccer beat reporter. Emailadam.sparks@knoxnews.com. X, previously identified as Twitter@AdamSparks. Support robust native journalism by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe.
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