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Tennessee football: Ranking all four Vols by most to prove at 2022 NFL Combine

By Caleb Calhoun

Tennessee defensive back Alontae Taylor (2) high-fives fans after defeating South Carolina 45-20 in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021.Kns Tennessee South Carolina Football
Tennessee defensive back Alontae Taylor (2) high-fives fans after defeating South Carolina 45-20 in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021.Kns Tennessee South Carolina Football /
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Tennessee defensive lineman Matthew Butler (94) celebrating after a defensive stop during the NCAA college football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the South Carolina Gamecocks in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, October 9, 2021.Utvsc1007
Tennessee defensive lineman Matthew Butler (94) celebrating after a defensive stop during the NCAA college football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the South Carolina Gamecocks in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, October 9, 2021.Utvsc1007 /

player. 839. Scouting Report. 2. Raleigh, N.C.. Matthew Butler. Pick Analysis. Defensive lineman

2021 stats: 5 sacks, 8.5 TFLs, 1 FF, 47 tackles (19 solo)

He didn’t rack up the same amount of stats as other guys on Tennessee football’s front seven, but Matthew Butler was a solid player at defensive tackle for the Vols and had a solid 75.8 PFF grade for the regular season. Taking advantage of an extra year of eligibility worked in his favor, but he’s got more to prove.

The graduate of Garner Senior High School in North Carolina’s Wake County was initially a defensive end, particularly in Jeremy Pruitt’s system, but he put on weight and made it to 6’4″ 295 pounds so he could play in the middle in Tim Banks’ schemes. Versatility with production is a solid selling point to start off with.

However, that will raise some concerns about him being a tweener. He didn’t seem to show any issues with that while playing for Rocky Top this past year, but he’s got to show he can truly handle at least one of the positions in commanding fashion if he’s going to get drafted.

That’s where this combine comes into play. If Butler’s size still measures up, his speed and strength will be crucial. He’s got enough production and experience and has mastered the fundamentals, so physical attributes will be the most important thing here. Yes, that matters a lot in the trenches.

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