5. LB Gavin Bryant
Why: Tennessee was set for much of the season with A.J. Johnson manning the inside linebacker position. After his suspension, the Vols turned to Jakob Johnson and Kenny Bynum, preserving the year of eligibility for the hard-hitting Bryant.
Future Outlook: The thing that stood out from Bryant’s high school film was how he flew around to the ball and hit whatever was in his path. He’s not a huge guy – more of a squatty, strong guy– at 6-foot, 236 pounds. But he has to at least be thrown in the conversation at inside linebacker, despite competition from Johnson, Bynum, newcomer Darrin Kirkland Jr., possibly Bates and anybody the coaches want to give a shot there. At the very least, he should be utilized on special teams and he perhaps has the opportunity to become an ace there. Whether or not he’s a real threat for playing time on defense remains to be seen, but the opportunity will be there starting this spring.
