Tennessee football: 10 toughest Vols to replace for 2020 season

Probably the most underrated guy of the main players looking to go in the NFL Draft, the son of Dale Carter Jr. was the glue guy for Tennessee football’s secondary last year. Nigel Warrior had a breakout campaign, and he finished the year with four interceptions while also allowing the cornerbacks in Bryce Thompson and Alontae Taylor to be more aggressive.

Now, on paper, despite his leadership skills, Warrior wouldn’t seem like too big of a loss. Jeremy Pruitt has reloaded well in the secondary, as Jaylen McCullough is a rising star there. Also, Baylen Buchanan coming back could move Shawn Shamburger over to safety, and Trevon Flowers returning to health should be a huge boost.

However, that’s the issue. Too many guys are returning from injury. Right now, McCullough is the only player who is a surefire impact player at safety. Flowers, if he returns to form, should be great too. And if Buchanan can take his spot back at nickel, the same holds true for Shamburger if he moves over to safety since he’s the most diverse defensive back on the roster.

With only McCullough sure to work out there right now, though, Jeremy Pruitt not only doesn’t have enough proven depth at safety. He doesn’t have enough proven guys to start. That’s what makes Warrior’s departure so devastating, and you have to wonder if Thompson can be his playmaking self at cornerback without Warrior allowing him to play freely.