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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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December 19, 2021; Santa Clara, California, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson (84) before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
December 19, 2021; Santa Clara, California, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson (84) before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Wide receiver. 2. player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. 44. Atlanta Falcons. Cordarrelle Patterson

10th year in NFL

After years as a superstar return specialist, Cordarrelle Patterson joined the Atlanta Falcons for a second act. He ended up focusing more on running back than receiver or return specialist. Tennessee football will have to rely on Chicago Bears draft pick Velus Jones Jr. to carry the torch in the return game, and given the history of Willie Gault, Jones should be in the right spot.

Anyway, Patterson just signed a two-year $10.5 million deal with Atlanta. Arthur Smith is a brilliant offensive mind and did a perfect job with him last year, so even with Matt Ryan gone and being replaced by Marcus Mariota, he’s in line to once again have a big season.

Last year, Patterson had 153 carries for 618 yards, which is right at four yards a carry, and six touchdowns. He was still truly a versatile talent, catching 52 passes for 548 yards and five touchdowns, giving him 11 touchdowns and over 1,100 yards from scrimmage, proving he remains en elite athlete.

Combine that with his all-pro campaigns over the years along with a Super Bowl championship, and Patterson has done more than enough to be up here on the list. Taking all of that into account, Patterson should remain elite for the next couple years, and he’s now doing it more as a player from scrimmage rather than the return game.

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