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Tennessee football’s top 10 NFL players to open 2021 season

By Caleb Calhoun

Sep 9, 2019; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) runs after a catch against the Houston Texans during the first quarter at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 9, 2019; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) runs after a catch against the Houston Texans during the first quarter at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 15, 2021; Costa Mesa, CA, USA; Los Angeles Chargers receiver Josh Palmer (5) carries the ball during minicamp at the Hoag Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 15, 2021; Costa Mesa, CA, USA; Los Angeles Chargers receiver Josh Palmer (5) carries the ball during minicamp at the Hoag Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Pick Analysis. 13. 9. player. Scouting Report. Wide receiver. Los Angeles Chargers. Joshua Palmer

NFL experience: Rookie

This is all about projection, but there’s reason to believe in Josh Palmer early on. He was Tennessee football’s highest pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, going 77th overall in the third round to the Los Angeles Chargers. They are banking heavily on the early success of the 6’1″ 210-pound wideout, and they have good reason to do so.

Palmer was a solid producer in preseason for LA, and he is now one of three projected starters at wide receiver on their depth chart along with Mike Williams and Keenan Allen. With Justin Herbert throwing him the ball, he could rack up lots of stats this year.

Beyond Herbert and the passing game that comes with this team, Austin Ekeler being banged up means they might not run the ball as much early on in the season. That gives Palmer even more opportunities to make an impact, and it’s why he makes this list.

Last year, Palmer was the Vols’ only true deep threat at wideout, and despite a horrendous offense, he still came away with 33 catches for 475 yards and four touchdowns. He developed incredibly over four years after arriving on Rocky Top from Canada, and that’s going to pay off early for him in the pros.

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