NFL Rookie Preview - Jerod Mayo

Jerod Mayo, out of Tennessee, is a 6’1, 242lbs outside linebacker. Mayo, who initially wasn’t much of a professional prospect, had an excellent junior season, which allowed him to declare for the draft. With his speed and mobility, and the ability to play several positions Mayo seems like a nice pick for the already loaded Patriots.

Starting as a red shirt at Tennessee, the following season Mayo was hampered by a right knee injury, so he was only able to appear in six games. Injuries were a problem all the way through his career as a Vol, but despite the injuries Jerod was able to play in 36 games, starting 24 of them. Mayo tallied 236 tackles, with 137 of them being solo. He also created 6 quarterback pressures, 6.5 sacks, one fumble recovery, one fumble forced, and 3 deflected passes, and he also came up with an interception in which he returned for a 34 yard touchdown.

In High School at Kecoughtan High School in Hampton Virginia, Mayo was a three year letterman in football, as both a linebacker and a running back. During his senior season Mayo tallied 110 tackles, 18 sacks, and 2 interceptions. As a running back in high school, he rushed for over 1,200 yards and scored 13 touchdowns in just seven games.

Injury problems have slowed Mayo down in the past, so both he and the Patriots hope he has 100% healthy and stays that way. With the new training methods in the professionals, and being part of the Patriots organization, we think Mayo will be a solid OLB in the NFL.