Tennessee football: Top 10 Vols with 2020 NFL Draft potential

A two-year starter and three-year player for Tennessee football, Nigel Warrior has never really had the chance to explode onto the scene and fully meet the hype that came with him as the star commitment in the Vols’ 2016 class. But the sone of UT legend Dale Carter Jr. has still been a model of consistency.

Warrior has been a solid tackler in open space, helps lock off one side of the field and can be used on blitz packages. After a year in the 3-4 system to figure things out, he should be able to explode onto the scene this year.

That’s because Bryce Thompson and Alontae Taylor will lock up wideouts. Meanwhile, Baylen Buchanan, another senior who could potentially be an NFL prospect because of his solid play, can lock up the slot. Warrior has more freedom to roam this year than he’s had since arriving on Rocky Top three years ago.

The play of the defense overall will determine whether or not Warrior explodes onto the scene as an NFL prospect. He’s the glue guy of the defense, so things will truly be reflected on him in lots of ways. At the same time, if the defense as a whole helps the team turn things around, it’s likely to allow for him to make big plays while also raising his profile.