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Tennessee football’s 10 underclassmen most likely to leave early for 2023 NFL Draft

By Caleb Calhoun

Dec 30, 2021; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers running back Jabari Small (2) runs the ball against the Purdue Boilermakers during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2021; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers running back Jabari Small (2) runs the ball against the Purdue Boilermakers during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports /
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Tennessee linebacker Tyler Baron (9) and Tennessee defensive lineman Kurott Garland (99) celebrate after a defensive stop during the NCAA college football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Bowling Green Falcons in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, September 2, 2021.Ut Bowling Green
Tennessee linebacker Tyler Baron (9) and Tennessee defensive lineman Kurott Garland (99) celebrate after a defensive stop during the NCAA college football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Bowling Green Falcons in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, September 2, 2021.Ut Bowling Green /

player. 839. Pick Analysis. Edge rusher. Tyler Baron. Junior. 6. Scouting Report

6’5″ 260 pounds

Yes, he entered the transfer portal this past offseason only to rejoin Tennessee football, and yes, he fell behind Byron Young down the stretch last year in the depth chart. Also, Roman Harrison entering his senior year gives Tyler Baron competition. However, there’s no denying the guy’s talent based on what we’ve seen.

When Baron was the main starter, he was incredibly productive. The guy had four sacks and seven tackles for a loss to go along with a pass deflection and 30 tackles, eight of which were solo, last year. Remember, he was a local four-star out of Knoxville Catholic High School in Knox County, Tenn., and had a sack, three tackles for a loss and 21 tackles, 13 of which were solo, in 2020.

It’s clear that Jeremy Pruitt’s 3-4 defense was more what he was committed to, but Baron made the adjustment last year as an edge rusher in Tim Banks’ nickel-heavy 4-3 base defense. Speed is more required in this role, but Baron was able to be productive in it.

Given the fact that there are two starting spots for this and Baron is part of a three-man rotation, he’ll have plenty of chances to be productive. That should be enough for him to emerge as an elite playmaker, and he’s got a chance to truly impress NFL scouts with his play this year.

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