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Tennessee football: Top 10 Vols with 2022 NFL Draft potential

By Caleb Calhoun

Tennessee offensive lineman Cade Mays (68) runs on the field during the first quarter during a game between Tennessee and Missouri at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020.100320 Tenn Mo Jpg
Tennessee offensive lineman Cade Mays (68) runs on the field during the first quarter during a game between Tennessee and Missouri at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020.100320 Tenn Mo Jpg /
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Tennessee defensive lineman Matthew Butler (94) during the Vol Walk at the Tennessee Spring Game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on Saturday, April 13, 2019.Kns Vols Springgame5things
Tennessee defensive lineman Matthew Butler (94) during the Vol Walk at the Tennessee Spring Game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on Saturday, April 13, 2019.Kns Vols Springgame5things /

Pick Analysis. 5. player. 839. Scouting Report. Defensive lineman. Senior. Matthew Butler

6’4″ 295 pounds; Hometown: Raleigh, N.C.

Yes, we’re staying on the defensive line, and yes, we’re naming two defensive ends here. That wasn’t the case last year or the year before given the 3-4 system Tennessee football ran, but now, multiple defensive ends have a chance to shine, and with three seniors this year, some of them are bound to stand out for the pros.

Matthew Butler is a guy who probably could have left after last year, which was his true senior year. However, the graduate of Wake County’s Garner Senior High School in North Carolina took advantage of the COVID eligibility ruling and is coming back.

Given the new system change, that’s a good move on his part. Just like nose tackles, edge rushers who play on the line have a much better chance at racking up stats in a 4-3, and that’s exactly what Butler will be able to do this year. He’s already got the versatility to play on the edge or in the middle given his size, and that alone will help him with pro scouts.

In terms of production, Butler had three tackles for a loss each of the past two years and two and a half and two sacks respectively in 2019 and 2020. As a result, he’s been pretty consistent. With more playing time to himself due to the 4-3 switch and more chances to make plays, he’ll likely really start to stand out to NFL scouts.

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