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Tennessee football: Top 10 former Vols in NFL for 2022 season

By Caleb Calhoun

Tennessee offensive lineman Trey Smith (73) walks off the field for the final time after a SEC game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Texas A&M Aggies held at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on Saturday, December 19, 2020.Kns Vols Football Texas A M Bp
Tennessee offensive lineman Trey Smith (73) walks off the field for the final time after a SEC game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Texas A&M Aggies held at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on Saturday, December 19, 2020.Kns Vols Football Texas A M Bp /
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Aug 13, 2022; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Seattle Seahawks defensive end Darrell Taylor (52) on the sidelines against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 13, 2022; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Seattle Seahawks defensive end Darrell Taylor (52) on the sidelines against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports /

6. player. 36. Darrell Taylor. Pick Analysis. Linebacker. Seattle Seahawks. Scouting Report

2nd year in NFL

He was drafted in the second round back in 2020 but suffered a season-ending injury. It was clear that Pete Carroll valued Darrell Taylor, though, and being able to play outside linebacker for Tennessee football in Jeremy Pruitt’s 3-4 system truly helped Taylor develop as an elite edge rusher. That was on display last year.

Despite coming off an injury and starting just five games last year, Taylor did appear in 16 of 17 games for the season. He had six and a half sacks in that limited amount of time, including 37 total tackles, 28 of which were solo. Add in seven tackles for a loss, 13 hits on the quarterback, a pass deflection and a forced fumble, and he was clearly an elite playmaker.

Now, with more experience, more health and a greater need on defense this year in general with the departure of Russell Wilson, Taylor should have more opportunities to be great. There is also more pressure, though, as Carroll clearly needs playmakers like Taylor.

With Taylor and Barnett, Tennessee football is low-key emerging as a great place for edge rushers to develop into NFL stars, and it doesn’t matter the system either. Byron Young and Tyler Baron could add to that in the future, but Taylor could make it a big story if he develops upon a strong first season in the pros.

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