Potential Day 1 Prospects
None
Potential Day 2 Prospects
None
Potential Day 3 Prospects
Nigel Warrior, SS, Jr.
Warrior made an impact as a starter last year as a true sophomore. He has NFL size and athleticism. He needs to take another step forward as a playmaker in order to get into the Day 2 discussion as far as I’m concerned. He only has 3 passes defended and 1 interception in his career to this point. That said, he has plenty of time to take his game to another level since he hasn’t even played a single down as an underclassman yet. For now, I will call him an early Day 3 choice with the potential to get into the 3rd round.
Darrell Taylor, Edge, Jr.
I contemplated moving Taylor into my Day 2 watchlist because he showed quite a bit of playmaking ability in a limited role last year. For now, I’d put him in the 4th round while conceding that a breakout year could be on the way and that would push him up a round or even two.
Jonathan Kongbo, 4-3 DE, Sr.
Kongbo was a big junior college addition last year, but his production was underwhelming. I think he is really only a 4-3 defensive end at the pro level so his lack of versatility is going to push him to Day 3. Also working against him is the fact that Tennessee plays a 3-4! I’m not expecting impressive numbers this season. Kongbo has an NFL body and there will be defensive line coaches asking decision makers to take a chance that he’ll be a better pro than he was in college. Late Day 3 or free agent.
Jauan Jennings, WR, Jr.
Jennings injured his wrist early and missed almost the entirety of the 2017 season. He’s on my radar because he has good size and made some plays as an underclassman in 2016. This season will be extremely important in determining his draft stock.
Marquez Callaway, WR, Jr.
Callaway also has impressive size and he was able to make a few plays last year. Both of these receivers are on my Day 3 watchlist because I could see one of them breaking out and getting drafted. Callaway has the ability to return punts as well.
Daniel Bituli, LB, Jr.
Bituli doesn’t have potential to be an NFL starter, but he may be a solid choice late on Day 3 or as a free agent signing because he can back up at any of the linebacker positions. Clearly, he will have to prove he can be a special teams ace in order to have value to pro teams.
Future Prospects
Trey Smith, OT, So.
Smith is going to be a hot topic leading up to the 2020 or 2021 NFL draft. I rate him with clear Day 1 potential, but he is just returning from a very scary situation where he apparently had blood clots in his lungs. More than anything, I’m happy he’s recovered and ready to resume his playing career. However, NFL team doctors are going to have a lot of input into his eventual draft stock. He could slide.
Ty Chandler, RB, So.
Chandler is cut from the same mold as Alvin Kamara although he may not be quite as good as the reigning NFL Offensive Rookie of The Year. He’s going to get more of an opportunity for touches with John Kelly having moved on to the Rams. Overall, I view Chandler as a quality Day 2 back who can catch passes and also give you 10 carries a game.
J.J. Peterson, Edge, Fr.
Nick Saban desperately wanted Peterson to go play linebacker at Alabama. That, alone, is enough to get a freshman onto my watchlist. He is Tennessee’s biggest 2018 recruit and he is the early favorite to be the school’s top 2021 NFL Draft prospect.