Tennessee football: Matthew Butler’s five best NFL landing spots

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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 5
Next
Mar 5, 2022; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Denver Broncos coach Sae Woon Jo measures Tennessee defensive lineman Matthew Butler (DL02) during the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 5, 2022; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Denver Broncos coach Sae Woon Jo measures Tennessee defensive lineman Matthew Butler (DL02) during the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Over the past few weeks, Matthew Butler has been rising up NFL Draft boards. As one of the most productive everyday players for Tennessee football last year, it’s easy to see how he could be the favorite for lots of analysts, most notably Mel Kiper of ESPN. Although he’s a Day 3 pick, he’s looking like a potential immediate contributor.

Given his size at 6’4″ 297 and his versatility, he has all the physical gifts to do that. Couple it with his production and how he proved himself at all the events, and Butler is going to be a steal for somebody. However, where could he go to become that steal?

Honestly, his best bet is to go to successful teams who have an immediate need at the position. He could either help put them over the hump or allow them to maintain their success, and of other elite linemen are already there but there is still a need, it’ll work out even better for him. These are the Tennessee football lineman’s five best landing spots.

Las Vegas Raiders. 5. team. 28. . 10-7.

Lost AFC Wildcard round

Offensive line is the clear need for the Las Vegas Raiders this offseason, but they are in somewhat of a situation where they can take the best player available. Still, Matthew Butler is likely to be available for them on Day 3, and he would be the best player available if that happens while also filling a need for them.

Vegas has spent the offseason trying to upgrade its defensive tackle situation. They signed Vernon Butler Jr. from the Buffalo Bills, Andrew Billings from the Cleveland Browns and Bilal Nichols from the Chicago Bears. Johnathan Hankins also re-signed with them.

Still, it’s clear that more youth at the position is a priority for them. Tennessee football linemen have a history of getting the chance to overachieve with the Raiders, as Kendal Vickers has emerged, but Butler would be a great addition for them. He would add depth and have the chance to become a regular contributor in a couple years.