The Athletic NFL Draft Guide- Tennessee Players expected to be drafted

#1

SNAFU

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Velus Jones

STRENGTHS: Strong, compact frame, and plays physical through contact ... releases around press and accelerates to top speed quickly ... has the fluidity in his lower body to shake corners mid-route ... was used often on catch-and-go routes (screens, sweeps, etc.) designed for YAC ... really competitive after the catch, and flashes burst off his plant foot to find yards for himself ... steady hands, and drops were uncommon on his 2021 tape ... accomplished kick returner with a pair of touchdown returns (124/2,973/2) ... led the SEC in kick-return yardage in 2020 and 2021, and ranks second in kick-return yards (1,947) in USC history ... added punt-return duties as a senior, averaging 15.1 yards per return (18/272/0).

WEAKNESSES: Better speed as a ball carrier than route runner, slowing his stride slightly as he turns to locate ... inconsistent route tempo, and prematurely tips his path ... needs to better set up defenders based on his coverage reads ... has slight stiffness in his hips, which hinders his ability to sink at the top of routes ... can be baited into extra contact downfield ... fumbled twice in 2021, including a costly muffed punt that contributed to a loss ... spent six seasons in college and will turn 25 shortly after he is drafted ... struggled through a hamstring injury during fall practice and the first month of the 2021 schedule.

SUMMARY: A two-year starter at Tennessee, Jones was a slot receiver in head coach Josh Heupel’s up-tempo spread offense. After four seasons at USC (caught passes from Sam Darnold in 2017), he transferred to Knoxville, where he was the SEC Special Teams Player of the Year in 2021 and saw his role grow on offense as a senior (the only FBS player with at least 700 receiving yards, 500 kick-return yards, and 200 punt-return yards). Jones has terrific top-end speed, with the vision, balance and compete skills to create with the ball in his hands as a returner or catch-and-go threat (80.7 percent of his receptions in 2021 came within 10 yards of the line of scrimmage). While he flashes burst in his lower body, he doesn’t have the tempo or setup skills in his patterns to consistently create separation vs. sticky corners. Overall, Jones has a limited route tree and is still developing his rhythm as a receiver, but he has a smooth accelerator with solid ball skills. He offers value as a return man, special-teamer and back-end-of-the-roster receiver (similar to Pharoh Cooper).

Projected 5th/6th round

Cade Mayes

STRENGTHS: Owns a filled-out frame with functional length ... has the slide quickness out of his stance to get on top of speed rushers ... accurate, powerful hands to meet rushers and keep them at bay ... flashes the grip strength to snatch inside the frame of opponents ... has the play strength in his upper half to wash defenders down the line ... effective on the move to execute blocks in space ... competes with edge and keeps busy from snap to whistle ... alert player and not often fooled (can tell he grew up in a football family and has been playing the position a long time) ... showed impressive versatility in college: logged multiple starts at four different offensive line positions over his career and took snaps at all five positions.

WEAKNESSES: Lacks above average body control to quickly adjust vs. sudden rushers ... stiff ankles ... doesn’t consistently replace his hands and struggles vs. refined counters ... has a bad habit of dropping his eyes and leaning on defenders ... his anchor strength shows cracks vs. power rushers who take away his leverage ... stiffness through his core and high pad level hinder him in the run game ... would benefit from more controlled, choppy steps when drive blocking ... missed several games over his career because of various injuries, including a left ankle issue (November 2021) as a senior.

SUMMARY: A two-year starter at Tennessee, Mays played exclusively at right tackle as a senior in head coach Josh Heupel’s up-tempo spread offense. Starting his career at Georgia, he was expected to replace Andrew Thomas at left tackle in 2020 before an abrupt (and controversial according to some) transfer landed him back home at Tennessee where he started the last two seasons. Mays is one of the few linemen in this draft with functional playing experience at all five offensive line positions, which speaks to his competitive toughness and smarts. He is quick out of his stance to cut off speed, but struggles to recover and has a low margin for error if he doesn’t properly frame up rushers. Overall, Mays can get tied up as a pass blocker due to tall pads and mediocre body control, but he is physical in the run game with NFL-level play strength. He projects best inside at guard in the NFL, likely as a backup while he competes for a starting spot.

Projected 5th-6th Round

Matthew Butler

STRENGTHS: Comes off the ball with quickness and pad level ... displays the body control to peel off contact and be a pain for blockers ... able to finagle his way through traffic, clawing to the pocket ... flashes a little extra juice to close when he has the ball in his crosshairs ... plays with developed block recognition and won’t take himself out of the play (Tennessee DL coach Rodney Garner: “He’s probably the smartest guy I’ve ever coach, by far.”) ... rangy lineman capable of varying his stunts and lining up across the line ... consistent motor and competitive playing temperament ... team captain with leadership intangibles.

WEAKNESSES: Average thickness and length for interior work in the NFL ... relies more on effort than a detailed attack vs. the run and pass ... needs to unlock his counters more efficiently ... improved timing and technique should boost his mediocre stack-and-shed skills ... his play strength is average at best and there is room for improvements ... needs to show a better feel for down blocks ... his backfield visits were too sporadic in college, which is represented by his below average production in enemy territory ... failed to reach double-digit sacks in his career.

SUMMARY: A three-year starter at Tennessee, Butler lined up at three-technique over the B gap in defensive coordinator Tim Banks’ multiple front. His career in Knoxville spanned three different head coaches and numerous defensive assistants, but he was one of the few constants for the Vols’ defense because of his leadership and steady play. Butler shows the lateral movements and smarts to play ahead of blocks and leverage gaps in the run game. If the quarterback holds the ball, Butler will eventually find him, but he didn’t produce many quick wins as a pass rusher on tape and his low sack total isn’t deceiving. Overall, Butler has functional athleticism and a dependable play style, but the on-field results have been average and it is a stretch to think that will change vs. NFL competition. He can be a rotational three-technique and fit multiple schemes.

Projected 4th-5th Round

Alontae Taylor

STRENGTHS: Good-sized athlete with plus length and sprinting speed … collects himself to transition, stay balanced and elevate to make plays on the ball … shades himself to restrict catch windows along the sideline … recovers well and works his body into position without making early contact (zero penalties in 2021) … highly physical downhill with the competitive appetite to match … rams and bounces off blockers, maintaining his pursuit … quarterbacked an option offense and played wide receiver in high school and is comfortable with the ball in the air … senior captain and was voted to the SEC leadership council in 2020 (served two terms as vice chair) … productive on special teams (462 career snaps) and has the skill set to be a four-phase coverage player.

WEAKNESSES: Still developing his decision-making and awareness in coverage … his cover angles, especially to the inside, must improve … lacks a natural feel for press, losing his balance and failing to connect … his technique in reverse comes and goes … doesn’t trust his hip fluidity, and there is a noticeable hitch at the top of his pedal … refined route runners know how to find his blind spot … plays with urgency in the run game but sacrifices textbook tackling for undisciplined violence … his on-ball production is nothing to get excited about … played primarily outside cornerback in college.

SUMMARY: A four-year starter at Tennessee, Taylor was an outside cornerback in defensive coordinator Tim Banks’ balanced scheme. An offensive-focused athlete in high school, he moved to cornerback full-time in Knoxville, where his development was more sluggish than rapid, and his tape feels like he is still transitioning. Taylor is an impressive size/speed athlete with the aggressive playing demeanor required for NFL work. However, his discipline and recognition skills remain a work-inprogress, and he struggles to cleanly sink or flip his hips with his high-cut body type. Overall, Taylor was primarily an outside corner for the Volunteers, but he has versatility across the secondary, and a move to safety might be his best option because of his range and physical demeanor. He will see a heavy dose of special teams in the NFL and might be a team’s best option at gunner.

Projected 4th Round
 
#3
#3
I agree with their assessment. Whether we'd like to admit it or not, our talent level is simply not on par with the upper echelon programs in this league and around the country. Only superior recruiting and development is going to change that. We still have a LONG way to go before we have real quality depth across the board. I think it would be wise to temper any type of over the top expectations for the near future. Talent is 95% of the equation to winning championships. Gotta be a bit more patient. 8 wins would be realistic, IMO.
 
#4
#4
My Packers (I own stock so yes they are my packers...lol) had Jones in for one of their 30 official visits they are allowed. We could use him especially on special teams.
 
#5
#5
I do hope they all get drafted, and I hope Theo either gets drafted or gets a chance. He probably has the best production out of any of those guys, along with Velus. The guy is just a winner though and very versatile.
 

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