
2021 stats: 1 sack allowed in 493 snaps,
Nobody has to prove more than Cade Mays. The graduate of Knox County’s Knoxville Catholic High School started 10 games at right tackle this past year and was a two-time SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week. After playing right guard for Tennessee football in 2020, Mays has versatility to sell along with his production.
However, Mays wasn’t even the highest graded offensive linemen in the regular season this past year among Vols who played at least 100 snaps. His PFF grade of 73.4 was behind Jeremiah Crawford’s 78.8, although he did play nearly 400 more snaps.
Anyway, Mays has struggled at times with health and consistency. That became clear once he joined UT after transferring from the Georgia Bulldogs, where he played in 2018 and 2019. As a result, there are more concerns surrounding him than others on this list.
When you add in the fact that Mays, similar to Alontae Taylor, chose to forgo his extra year of eligibility to enter the NFL Draft and the fact that he missed the final two games of 2021 due to injury, the pressure on him is even greater. If he measures up to his listed 6’6″ 325-pound frame at UT, that’s a good start, but he’s got a lot to validate.