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NFL Draft: Ranking all former Vols by NFL potential

By Billy Williford

COLUMBIA, SC - OCTOBER 27: Kyle Phillips #5 of the Tennessee Volunteers reacts after a call alongside Jake Bentley #19 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during their game at Williams-Brice Stadium on October 27, 2018 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
COLUMBIA, SC - OCTOBER 27: Kyle Phillips #5 of the Tennessee Volunteers reacts after a call alongside Jake Bentley #19 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during their game at Williams-Brice Stadium on October 27, 2018 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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AUBURN, AL – OCTOBER 13: Director of Athletics Phillip Fulmer celebrates with defensive lineman Kyle Phillips #5 of the Tennessee Volunteers after defeating the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on October 13, 2018, in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images) /

1. Kyle Phillips, Defensive End

Coming in the top spot for the most pro potential is the 6-foot-4 former five-star, Kyle Phillips. The hybrid defensive linemen is Tennessee’s best chance at getting a player drafted in the 2019 NFL Draft.

Phillips will surely be a Day 3 selection if he’s drafted at all but don’t be surprised if he has a decent career. Most recently, Phillips appeared in the East-West Shrine Game where he turned a few heads. He also had a really strong senior season.

In 2018, Phillips accounted for 56 tackles including five sacks and eight tackles for loss. One of his best games came against Auburn in the 30-24 win. Phillips accounted for nine total tackles including 0.5 sacks. He even forced a fumble. Everyone remembers the big game quarterback Jarrett Guarantano had, but if it weren’t for Phillips, Tennessee would have lost.

Another game that stands out is against Alabama. Yes, the Vols lost 58-21, but Phillips had two tackles with an interception returned for a 27-yard touchdown. Tennessee can’t brag about beating the Crimson Tide, but they have caused two pick-six interceptions the past two seasons.

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Phillips is versatile and athletic. Moving to defensive end in the 3-4 defensive scheme of Jeremy Pruitt really help him out. If he can land with the right team, Phillips could be a guy that makes an impact out of nowhere.

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