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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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KNOXVILLE, TN – NOVEMBER 3: Evan Shirreffs #16 of the Charlotte 49ers hits his head on the leg of Defensive lineman Darrell Taylor #19 of the Tennessee Volunteers as he is being tackled by Defensive lineman Kyle Phillips #5 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the game between the Charlotte 49ers and the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on November 3, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennessee won the game 14-3. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images) /

No.1 – Kyle Phillips, New York Jets

Coming in with the first ranking is the New York Jets’ addition, Kyle Phillips. It was surprising that Phillips wasn’t drafted. He didn’t get a high draft grade, but most thought a sixth-round pick seemed fair. Especially with how much he was able to improve under a real football coach, Jeremy Pruitt.

His first two seasons, Phillips only accounted 23 total tackles. By year three the former five-star recruit totaled for 33 tackles. While that was a tremendous increase, Phillips still wasn’t playing to the level everyone knew he could. Then came Jeremy Pruitt.

Like a lot of players, Pruitt was able to get the most out of Phillips. In his final season he accounted for 55 total tackles, including 7.5 for loss and four sacks.

Phillips has the skills to make a smooth transition to the NFL. He has the size and length and thanks to Pruitt he started developing the right technique to play the game. He isn’t the most explosive off the ball,  but they can come with the right practice.

The New York Jets ranked near the bottom (25th) of the NFL in total defense last season. The defensive unit only produced 13 interceptions and 39 sacks. The front office likes where the offense is heading with Sam Donald and Le’veon Bell; now the question turns to the defense.

Next. Top 10 Vols with 2020 NFL Draft potential. dark

Look for Phillips to come in an compete for a spot on the roster. He’s certainly no day one starter, but he’s got enough potential to hang around and learn in the Jets defensive system.

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