Tennessee Vols' Jason Croom, Corey Vereen, Malik Foreman land free-agent deals

Not getting drafted doesn't mean you can't thrive in the NFL. Tennessee's history is rich with undrafted free agents who make NFL rosters and enjoy lucrative careers.

Soon after the 2017 draft ended Saturday night, the scramble began for a number of Vols.

Tight end Jason Croom, whom many gave a good chance of getting  drafted, quickly came to terms with the Buffalo Bills.

Corey Vereen, who played defensive end opposite first-round pick Derek Barnett, signed with the New England Patriots.

Malik Foreman announced an agreement with the Houston Texans. LaTroy Lewis and Dylan Wiesman told govols247.com they will attend a rookie mini-camp with the Oakland Raiders.

Croom played wide receiver for most of an injury-nagged career at UT, then switched to tight end as a senior. He had 21 catches for 242 yards in 2016 and had some positive moments in the draft evaluation process.

Croom was timed at 4.63 seconds in the 40-yard dash at Tennessee's Pro Day. Before that, he was MVP of the Tropicana Bowl, a senior evaluation opportunity in Daytona Beach, Fla., catching two touchdown passes.

Croom announced his deal with Buffalo via his Twitter account Saturday night.

Vereen had seven sacks as a senior, plus two fumble recoveries, and was a four-year contributor for Tennessee. At 6-foot-2, 249 pounds, he might not have had the measurables to merit being drafted, but he was a productive player. His agent, Logan Brown Sports, announced Vereen had signed with the Super Bowl-champion Patriots.

Lewis was also a four-year contributor at defensive end, though he started only a handful of games. Different reports Saturday night had Lewis invited to mini-camps with Houston and Oakland. He told govols247.com he would attend Oakland's camp.

Wiesman, who started at guard and also played some center, also told govols247.com he would be in Oakland's camp. The Raiders' general manager is former Vol and Knoxville native Reggie McKenzie.

Foreman, who played cornerback and nickel in his Tennessee career, has impressive speed to offer. He was timed at 4.37 in the 40-yard dash at UT's Pro Day.