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Tennessee football’s 10 toughest players to replace for 2022

By Caleb Calhoun

Nov 6, 2021; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Theo Jackson (26) and defensive back Alontae Taylor (2) celebrate during the fourth quarter against the Kentucky Wildcats at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 6, 2021; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Theo Jackson (26) and defensive back Alontae Taylor (2) celebrate during the fourth quarter against the Kentucky Wildcats at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports /
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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 /

28. Defensive lineman. 5. Out of eligibility. Matthew Butler. player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis

Drafted by Las Vegas Raiders (Round 5, pick 175)

The emergence of Omari Thomas, arrival of Tyre West and return of LaTrell Bumphus all mitigate this departure to a degree. However, Matthew Butler wasn’t beloved by Mel Kiper as an NFL Draft prospect for nothing, and what he brought to the table for Tennessee football at 6’4″ 297 pounds can’t be overlooked.

Playing for Butch Jones and Bob Shoop as a defensive end in 2017, Butler switched to edge rusher in Jeremy Pruitt’s 3-4 defense. He then moved to a down lineman on the end in that unit. When Tim Banks arrived and reinstalled Shoop’s system, Butler became a defensive tackle.

That level of versatility and understanding of the different roles on the line can’t be replaced so easily. He ended up with eight and a half tackles for a loss, five sacks, a forced fumble and 47 tackles, 19 of which were solo. It was a heck of a year by him, which is why he got drafted.

Going forward, the defensive line depth thanks to Josh Heupel’s recruiting and Rodney Garner’s ability to develop talent is why this isn’t higher. However, Butler is obviously one of the bigger losses the Vols suffered this offseason, and since SEC play starts in the trenches, replacing him won’t be a walk in the park.

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