Tennessee football in 2020 NFL Draft: Ranking eight Vols as pro prospects

Again, this list is our speculation of how good they can be in the pros, not where we think they will be selected in the NFL Draft. Taking that into account, Nigel Warrior has the potential to be the best player at the next level.

More from Vols Football

• How to Win a GUARANTEED $200 Bonus Betting Just $5 on the Vols vs. Florida!
• Tennessee Football at Florida: Five Keys to a Vols Victory
• Week 3 SEC Power Rankings: Did Tennessee Football’s Win Help At All?
• Week 3 AP Polls: Why Did Tennessee Football Drop in the Polls?
• Tennessee Football: Top Five Performers in 30-13 Win vs. Austin Peay

A Tennessee football legacy player, Warrior lived up to his father’s name, Dale Carter, this past year. He was the anchor for a secondary that had lots of issues due to a couple of injuries and suspensions early, and he finished the year with four interceptions.

After a couple of early mistakes, when Bryce Thompson and Daniel Bituli were both out, the guy emerged into a star. However, he somehow didn’t get invited to the combine. That is why, despite where we are placing him, Warrior is almost certainly not going to get drafted.

The fact that he didn’t get invited is insane, as his production more than warranted. As a result, our prediction is that he is not drafted but then becomes an elite free agent signing who makes a roster somewhere.

If you want proof of what Warrior could do, just look at Pro Football Focus. They rated him an honorable mention All-American, the only Vol to get on that list, and numerous analytical sites noted that he’s the only Power Five safety who has proven himself as a run-stopper and a coverage guy in this draft. So he won’t be taken, but he’ll be a major steal.