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Tennessee football: Ranking Vols by NFL landing spots after 2022 draft

By Caleb Calhoun

Tennessee wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. (1) celebrates a touchdown with Tennessee wide receiver JaVonta Payton (3) during an SEC football game between Tennessee and Kentucky at Kroger Field in Lexington, Ky. on Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021.Kns Tennessee Kentucky Football
Tennessee wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. (1) celebrates a touchdown with Tennessee wide receiver JaVonta Payton (3) during an SEC football game between Tennessee and Kentucky at Kroger Field in Lexington, Ky. on Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021.Kns Tennessee Kentucky Football /
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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 /

2. Pick Analysis. Defensive lineman. Las Vegas Raiders. Matthew Butler. Scouting Report. player. 28

Round 2; Pick 49

Given the fact that the Las Vegas Raiders have a need at defensive tackle but not one that’s immediate, Matthew Butler went to a great situation. He proved last year and then throughout the offseason with his measurables that he can play at this level. However, developing further in the middle is Butler’s key for the pros.

That situation isn’t his fault. He committed to Tennessee football as a defensive end in Bob Shoop’s nickel-heavy 4-3 base defense. Then he remained a defensive end as a down lineman in Jeremy Pruitt’s 3-4 before converting to the end tackle role. However, when Josh Heupel arrived and brought in Tim Banks, he was back in the system Shoop ran, this time as a defensive tackle.

Such versatility was naturally going to prepare him for the NFL. However, it was also going to limit him in the specific role he is asked to play. Vegas is a great place for him to develop on that front. Their need on the line is depth-based, as they have their starters.

Butler’s versatility will provide the depth, and he’ll have time to develop. Kendal Vickers is evidence of them taking chances on Tennessee football players, so in more ways than one, he is going to the right system despite falling to the fifth round.

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