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Tennessee football’s 10 DTs with best NFL careers

By Caleb Calhoun

The Titans Albert Haynesworth (92) leaves the field after the game. The Tennessee Titans defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 31 to 13 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on November 19, 2006. (Photo by Joseph Labolito/NFLPhotoLibrary)
The Titans Albert Haynesworth (92) leaves the field after the game. The Tennessee Titans defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 31 to 13 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on November 19, 2006. (Photo by Joseph Labolito/NFLPhotoLibrary) /
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Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images
Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images /

Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. 3. 839. 2010-2011. Years in NFL: 8. Malik Jackson. player

– 8, 111, 67

Teams played for:

  • Denver Broncos, 2012-2015
  • Jacksonville Jaguars, 2016-2018
  • Philadelphia Eagles, 2019-present

When the USC Trojans went on probation the year Lane Kiffin took over, Tennessee football got a revenge pickup as Malik Jackson transferred from them to Rocky Top. Amidst a rough two years under Derek Dooley, Jackson was a bright spot, as had 104 tackles, eight sacks, 34 tackles for a loss and six passes broken up during that time.

In the 2012 NFL Draft, Jackson was taken by the Denver Broncos in the fifth round. It was the perfect time to go there, as Von Miller was emerging and Peyton Manning had arrived. Jackson was part of that epic four-year run, and he was a regular in the defense during that time.

However, 2015 was when Jackson really stood out. Defensive coordinator Wade Phillips arrived and installed his 3-4, making Jackson a nose tackle at 6’5″ 290 pounds. That system fit Jackson perfectly. He became a full-time starter and was huge in helping the Broncos win the Super Bowl with Manning on his last legs, including scoring a defensive touchdown in the big game.

That success propelled Jackson to a big contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars, and in two years, he got that team to the AFC Championship game behind Blake Bortles. After three years there, Jackson signed with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2019.

Jackson did have a season-ending injury this past year, but he’s still going strong and could be set to start alongside fellow former Vol Derek Barnett on the line this year, a great combo. So far, he has 67 starts with 111 game appearances, and he has racked up 239 total tackles, 184 of which were solo, 32.5 sacks and 87.5 tackles for a loss. This guy is a star.

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