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Tennessee football: Five takeaways from NFL Draft 2022

By Caleb Calhoun

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 /
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Tennessee defensive back Theo Jackson (26) shows that the pass was no good after Jackson broke up a pass intended for a BYU receiver at Neyland Stadium on Saturday, September 7, 2019.Utbyu0907 RANK 4
Tennessee defensive back Theo Jackson (26) shows that the pass was no good after Jackson broke up a pass intended for a BYU receiver at Neyland Stadium on Saturday, September 7, 2019.Utbyu0907 RANK 4 /

3. Skill players continue to be Vols’ strength in the pros.

In recent years, the Clemson Tigers and Alabama Crimson Tide have bragged about stealing the moniker of Wide Receiver U from Tennessee football. Clemson started it, but their receivers seem to significantly underachieve in the NFL. Alabama is starting to have an argument, but they have been late to the party.

Although falling in the draft more, the Vols still have production at the position. Jauan Jennings and Marquez Callaway, a seventh-round draft pick and undrafted free agent respectively, have emerged as starters. Josh Palmer emerged with the Los Angeles Chargers. Cordarrelle Patterson is still balling, and now Velus Jones Jr. is expected to have a similar impact.

Defensive back is becoming an elite spot for the Vols too. Justin Coleman started things off earlier in the last decade as an undrafted free agent who became the highest paid nickel. Emmanuel Moseley is now the main cornerback for the San Francisco 49ers, and he was also undrafted. Cameron Sutton and Bryce Thompson are still in the league.

This year, two defensive backs drafted in Alontae Taylor and Theo Jackson means the expectations have arrived. With JaVonta Payton signing as an undrafted free agent, UT has two receivers and two defensive backs who landed on NFL rosters this year.

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