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Tennessee football: Ranking former Vols by landing spots in the NFL

By Billy Williford

KNOXVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 10: Shy Tuttle #2 of the Tennessee Volunteers blocks a kick during the second half of the game between the Kentucky Wildcats and the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on November 10, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennessee won the game 24-7. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 10: Shy Tuttle #2 of the Tennessee Volunteers blocks a kick during the second half of the game between the Kentucky Wildcats and the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on November 10, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennessee won the game 24-7. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images) /
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BRISTOL, TN – SEPTEMBER 10: Teammates surround defensive lineman Shy Tuttle #2 of the Tennessee Volunteers after he recovered a fumble against the Virginia Tech Hokies in the second half at Bristol Motor Speedway on September 10, 2016, in Bristol, Tennessee. Tennessee defeated Virginia Tech 45-24. (Photo by Michael Shroyer/Getty Images)
BRISTOL, TN – SEPTEMBER 10: Teammates surround defensive lineman Shy Tuttle #2 of the Tennessee Volunteers after he recovered a fumble against the Virginia Tech Hokies in the second half at Bristol Motor Speedway on September 10, 2016, in Bristol, Tennessee. Tennessee defeated Virginia Tech 45-24. (Photo by Michael Shroyer/Getty Images) /

No.2 – Shy Tuttle, New Orleans Saints

When Shy Tuttle first stepped foot on Rocky Top, the fanbase was excited. Tuttle was a four-star recruit ranked 55th nationally, the ninth highest defensive tackle, and the number one prospect from North Carolina.

However, he never lived up to the hype due to all the injuries he suffered through the years. And, while that impacted his opportunity of being drafted, the New Orleans Saints still saw enough potential to sign Tuttle to a deal.

The Saints weren’t terrible on the defensive end last season ranking 14th in total defense. New Orleans did produce 49 sacks but only 12 interceptions.

We’ve already seen one former Vol Alvin Kamara succeed in the Saints system. Maybe it won’t be so different for Tuttle who has unlimited potential.

His stats don’t jump off the page due to moving to the nose in Pruitt’s 3-4 defensive scheme, but he’s still found a way to make an impact.

The Saints play a 4-3 which helps Tuttle out. If he has a good camp, which he could, you might see him stuffing the inside run game as soon as his rookie season. At best, Tuttle is a rotation guy that builds depth for a team that needs it.

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