Tennessee football: 10 Vols who should have breakout seasons in 2022
Linebacker. r-Senior. Juwan Mitchell. 839. Scouting Report. 7. player. Pick Analysis
6’1″ 235 pounds
This is a bit of a unique situation. Tennessee football doesn’t lose anybody at linebacker from last year. However, the Vols’ three rotational linebackers, Jeremy Banks, Aaron Beasley and Solon Page III, had the three lowest PFF regular season grades of anybody who played at least 100 snaps on defense for them last year in the regular season.
Quarterback containment in spy was the issue, and to a degree, it makes sense. Beasley was a converted safety, Banks was a converted running back, and they all were learning a new system. However, even with all the plays Banks made, it was still a devastating situation.
Well, part of what caused that was Juwan Mitchell, who had transferred from the Texas Longhorns to fill the void at linebacker, suffered a season-ending injury. He had a much higher PFF grade than the other linebackers. Now that he’s back, he should resume a rotational role.
Brain Jean-Mary has a tough job trying to incorporate him back into a role that already includes three players, but Mitchell’s talent combine with the need for improved play should get him there. Injuries limited him last year, so that is why, fully healthy, he should finally be able to have the breakout season that was expected.