Players to Watch
These players have the potential to be drafted in next year’s NFL draft, but this upcoming season will be pivotal in determining whether they go undrafted or sneak into the seven-round draft. Some have stronger chances than others.
Keller Chryst, QB
As of now, Chryst’s draft stock isn’t very high. But if the Stanford grad transfer can come in, win Tennessee’s starting quarterback position, and have a successful and efficient season as the full-time starter, he could play his way into becoming a late-round pick for next year’s draft.
Madre London, RB
The Vols’ other main grad transfer, London comes from Michigan State after three years of dwindling production. He flashed as a freshman, but injuries and an influx of talent for the Spartans at running back ended up keeping him on the sidelines more than on the field. If he can be a capable No. 2 back and show enough in his last year of eligibility this season, he might do enough to make a team want to take a chance on him in the later rounds.
Chance Hall, OL
Injuries have plagued what could’ve been a very productive career for Hall so far. He missed all of last season due to injury, and he missed half of 2016 because of injuries too. Does he come back and have a bounce back year in 2018 and head to the NFL? Or will he struggle to stay healthy again?
Alexis Johnson, DT
The former JUCO lineman has yet to have the type of impact many Vol fans had hoped for. But with a new defensive scheme and a chance to prove himself in his final season with Tennessee, Johnson could play his way onto an NFL team’s radar.
Drew Richmond, OL
Richmond was a borderline five-star prospect coming out of high school, but he’s yet to live up to that hype. If he has a successful season this year, will he forgo his final season in 2019 and try to take a chance in the NFL?
Darrell Taylor, DE/LB
Taylor flashed some potential last year, but he ultimately still didn’t live up to expectations most fans had for him. If he thrives in Tennessee’s new defensive scheme as an outside linebacker, does he go ahead and head to the NFL and not risk another injury in college? There’s a good chance he might.
