Top 10 Former Tennessee Volunteers In The NFL
By Zach Ragan
10. Robert Ayers — Defensive End
December 30, 2012; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos defensive end Robert Ayers (91) during the first half against the Kansas City Chiefs at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Tennessee Volunteer from 2005-2008
Current NFL team: Denver Broncos
Drafted with the 18th overall pick in the first round by the Denver Broncos in 2009.
Robert Ayers, a former defensive end with the Volunteers, has had a rocky start to his career during his first few seasons with the Broncos. He’s been inconsistent at times, but has shown flashes of why he was a first round pick. In week 10 of the 2012 NFL season, against the Carolina Panthers, Ayers totaled five tackles, one sack and two passes defensed.
Ayers started in 13 games during the 2011 season, but spent the 2012 season as a backup under new defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio. Ayers has the talent to be a solid starter in the NFL, and if he continues to improve his game he’ll move up the list of top Vols in the NFL.