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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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Aug 21, 2021; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins cornerback Justin Coleman (27) walks off the field after the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 21, 2021; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins cornerback Justin Coleman (27) walks off the field after the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

player. 59. Defensive back. Miami Dolphins. Justin Coleman. 6. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis

NFL experience: 7th year

Sticking with NFL defensive backs who didn’t get drafted after leaving Tennessee football, Justin Coleman has proven himself time and time again. There’s a reason he became the highest paid nickel when he signed with the Detroit Lions. He’s another player who has been a model of consistency and made the most of every opportunity.

Now, Coleman is with the Miami Dolphins, with whom he signed a one-year deal. At 5’11” 190 pounds, Coleman truly worked his way up to where he is, being released by the Minnesota Vikings, New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks all within 10 days in 2015. He eventually landed with New England and became a contributor on their 2016 Super Bowl team.

After that, Coleman spent two years with another team that took a chance on him in Seattle, and then he landed with Detroit. Since he plays nickel, he technically hasn’t been considered a starter, but he’s got four career interceptions, two pick-sixes and four forced fumbles, so he does it all.

It’s crazy to think that Coleman, Emmanuel Moseley and Cameron Sutton all played on the same team in 2014. Sutton, the one player drafted of the three, is the one to not make this list, but he deserves a shoutout, as he is another reliable starting cornerback with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

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