Top 10 Former Tennessee Vols in the NFL Going Into the 2015 Season

31. <p>One of the longest-tenured Tennessee Vols football players in the NFL, Robert Ayers did not miss a beat last year after leaving the Denver Broncos and joining the New York Giants, switching Manning brothers as teammates in the process. Ayers is going to start at left defensive end for the Giants this year and is already playing the role of veteran for the young guys coming in.</p> <p>Last year, the 6’3″ 275 pound defensive end racked up 22 tackles, five sacks, and a forced fumble in his seventh year in the league. It was one of his best seasons of his career believe it or not. And going into this year, he is looking to wreak more havoc for a team that is always at its best when the defensive line shows up to play.</p> <p>You can even tell from the Giants coaching staff that Ayers should have another amazing year, as Tom Coughlin has been raving about him, something he rarely does, and his play also drew the attention of Giants hall of fame linebacker Carl Banks. Putting these guys in the mix is pretty impressive, and all signs point to Ayers having another elite season.</p> <p>Perhaps with him the Giants could get back to the playoffs as well. You can tell he is happy in New York as a guy from Jersey City who is simply playing at home right now. With the work ethic of his praised as well as his leadership on the line, he will likely be used a lot going into this season.</p> <p>And he will represent the Tennessee Vols well in the process.</p>. Defensive End. New York Giants. Robert Ayers. 8. player