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Tennessee football: Ranking Vols by pro potential for 2022 NFL Draft

By Caleb Calhoun

Tennessee defensive back Alontae Taylor (2) gestures while officials review a touchdown scored by Alabama during a football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021.Kns Tennessee Alabama Football Bp
Tennessee defensive back Alontae Taylor (2) gestures while officials review a touchdown scored by Alabama during a football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021.Kns Tennessee Alabama Football Bp /
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Tennessee defensive back Alontae Taylor (2) greets fans during the Vol Walk ahead of an SEC football game between Tennessee and Kentucky at Kroger Field in Lexington, Ky. on Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021.Kns Tennessee Kentucky Football
Tennessee defensive back Alontae Taylor (2) greets fans during the Vol Walk ahead of an SEC football game between Tennessee and Kentucky at Kroger Field in Lexington, Ky. on Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021.Kns Tennessee Kentucky Football /

Alontae Taylor. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Defensive back. Manchester, Tenn.. 1. player. 839

6’0″ 199 pounds

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Nobody had a better combination of proven production and scoring well on physical tests in the offseason than Alontae Taylor. His value alone was shown when Tennessee football got torched through the air by the Purdue Boilermakers in the Music City Bowl after he opted out.

Taylor was the highest graded PFF player in the regular season last year on defense and second highest graded player overall to Hendon Hooker. He had two interceptions, including a pick-six, along with six pass deflections, a forced fumble, a tackle for a loss and 60 overall tackles, 41 of which were solo.

Beyond the raw numbers, though, Taylor was just a lockdown cornerback in general, one of the best in the SEC. His combine results proved it with a 4.36 40-yard dash and a 128 broad jump, both of which are well above average for his position.

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Honestly, given what he’s shown, Taylor should be a second-day pick. He’s Tennessee football’s best player in the NFL Draft, although, he, Velus Jones Jr. and Matthew Butler should all be taken. There’s a chance Taylor starts immediately in the pros, but if he doesn’t, barring injury, he should be a sure bet to be on a roster next year.

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