The Tennessee Vols have quietly become a pretty solid NFL pipeline under Josh Heupel, even with setbacks like the drop of Jermod McCoy and Hendon Hooker a few years back.
Tennessee’s quarterback situation is being viewed as a major question by ESPN
Tennessee has developed multiple first-round picks along with plenty of Day 2 and Day 3 talent over the last few years. Because of that development, it was interesting to see two former Vols rise in a recent CBS Sports redraft of the 2023 NFL Draft.
CBS has Darnell Wright going No. 6 overall to Arizona in the redraft, up four spots from his original selection. CBS said, "Paris Johnson Jr. was the original pick -- and a great one -- but Darnell Wright has been one of the best offensive linemen in the league the past couple years."
Next, CBS had the Detroit Lions taking Byron Young, who originally went NPO. 77 overall, over Jack Campbell at pick No. 18. They said, "Young has 29 sacks in three seasons, including 12 in 2025 -- which is tied for second among pass rushers from the 2023 class behind Tuli Tuipulotu. Young is an older player for the 2023 class (he's 28, while Anderson is just 24), but that's not necessarily a bad thing; sure, maybe his ceiling is lower -- but it was already pretty high when he arrived in the league."
Two Vols rise in 2023 NFL redraft
Honestly, what an accomplishment for Byron Young and Darnell Wright. Both guys have already made Pro Bowls and quickly turned into some of the better players at their positions in the NFL. Paris Johnson Jr. has still been a really solid player for the Arizona Cardinals, but if we’re being honest, they’d probably rather have Wright right now based on how he’s developed.
Jack Campbell recently signed a major deal with the Detroit Lions, and in the redraft he actually moved up to No. 15 overall. However, the Lions have consistently needed more pass-rush help opposite Aidan Hutchinson. Once Hutchinson got hurt in 2024, Detroit’s pass rush fell apart, and it eventually contributed to their downfall in the playoffs against Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders. Lions fans have been begging for another disruptive edge rusher, and Byron Young would be a perfect fit for them.
Obviously, these are all hypothetical scenarios, and both players are in great situations right now. Darnell Wright is playing under Ben Johnson, one of the best offensive minds in football, on a rising franchise that could compete for a Super Bowl. Byron Young, on the other hand, is with the LA Rams alongside MVP quarterback Matthew Stafford on a team that could also contend for the Super Bowl next season. Overall, things worked out well for both players.
It's amazing to see that Tennessee has done a great job developing players for the league, and hopefully the next batch with Colton Hood, Chris Brazzell, and Jermod McCoy can all shine as Wright and Young have so far.
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