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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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Nov 27, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Theo Jackson (26) celebrates after a sack during the first half against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Theo Jackson (26) celebrates after a sack during the first half against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports /

Biggest NFL Combine snub from Tennessee

Theo Jackson

  • Defensive back
  • Nashville, Tenn.
  • 2021 stats: 9 TFLs, 11 PDs, 1 INT (1 TD), 1.5 sacks, 78 tackles (37 solo)

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Seriously, how do you leave Tennessee football’s most efficient playmaker on defense off of this list? Theo Jackson isn’t a straight lockdown corner, so size won’t be as big of a deal for him, and neither will speed, as he’ll often be asked to get physical with the slot guys. On the surface, instincts matter most with him.

However, Jackson’s play with the Vols still earned him an invite, even if it wasn’t going to have any effect. The graduate of Davidson County’s Overton High School earned All-SEC this past year, his first full year getting to start at nickel and prove his value.

He did miss one game due to injury, but for the most part, Jackson was durable all year. Assuming his 6’2″ 203-pound size holds up, he’s got an added bonus, as his height will be a plus while his lack of height wouldn’t be a drawback. Teams should have wanted to give him a look.

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Wide receiver JaVonta Payton and defensive lineman Ja’Quain Blakely had solid enough production as well to suggest they have a shot at the pros, but they didn’t warrant a combine invite. Jackson, though, should have been with the other Tennessee football players on this list. Once again, he’ll have to prove lots of skeptics wrong to make the league.

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