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Tennessee football’s top 10 NFL Draft prospects for 2023

By Caleb Calhoun

Tennessee wide receiver Cedric Tillman (4) warming up before the start of an NCAA college football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, September 18, 2021.Utvtech0917
Tennessee wide receiver Cedric Tillman (4) warming up before the start of an NCAA college football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, September 18, 2021.Utvtech0917 /
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Sep 18, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers head coach Josh Heupel congratulates Tennessee Volunteers offensive lineman Darnell Wright (58) during the first half against the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers head coach Josh Heupel congratulates Tennessee Volunteers offensive lineman Darnell Wright (58) during the first half against the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports /

Pick Analysis. Offensive lineman. player. 839. Scouting Report. Senior. Darnell Wright. 8

6’6″ 335 pounds

In terms of production, Darnell Wright actually has issues beyond Jaylen McCollough, and he has also struggled with health during his time with Tennessee football. Those two things are what push him down here despite his incredible frame and the fact that he was a five-star across the board coming out of West Virginia in 2019.

However, Wright spent his first two years at right tackle while battling those injuries. Last year, he moved over to left tackle. That alone was a huge transition for him, and when you compound it with the fact that he had to adjust to Josh Heupel’s up-tempo spread, his 59.5 PFF grade actually isn’t too bad.

Taking both of those things into account, the graduate of Huntington High School in Cabell County, W. Va., could see a big leap in production this year. If that happens, despite having another year of eligibility in 2023, he’ll be a complete prospect.

Those questions on production and health keep him down here, but potential puts him through the roof. Versatility is another factor, as he has played both tackle positions for Tennessee football, so he’s got a great chance to be one of the top draft prospects if things go right this year.

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