Tennessee football saw three of its players selected in the 2024 NFL Draft, along with nine players securing contracts as undrafted free agents across various teams in the league. The question arises: which among these players might leave the biggest mark on the NFL this coming fall?
Among them, certain players stand out with the potential to either secure starting positions or receive significant playing time throughout the season. The trio drafted from Tennessee includes Jaylen Wright (4th Round, 120th Pick), Joe Milton III (6th Round, 193rd Pick), and Kamal Hadden (6th Round, 211th Pick).
Furthermore, the nine undrafted free agent players from Tennessee were signed by seven different NFL teams. Here’s a comprehensive list of players who secured contracts following the NFL Draft.
While many of the undrafted free agents will be vying for roster spots and may not initially be considered for starting positions, there are a few both drafted and undrafted players who have the potential to break through and significantly impact their respective teams this fall.
Which rookie from Tennessee is poised to have the most significant influence in the NFL this autumn?
RB Jaylen Wright
Jaylen Wright became the initial Vol chosen in the fourth round, securing the 120th overall pick from the Miami Dolphins. It’s arguably one of the most favorable starting points for Wright as he embarks on his NFL journey.
Miami boasts a robust offensive lineup with an accomplished quarterback, a head coach known for offensive prowess, and a vacant slot in the running back hierarchy. Raheem Mostert currently holds the top spot as Miami’s running back, having amassed over 1,000 yards rushing last season. Given Mostert’s recent one-year, $4.13 million contract extension in April, it’s unlikely his role will undergo significant changes in 2024.
De’Von Achane stands as the Dolphins’ second-string running back after an impressive rookie season, tallying 800 yards and eight touchdowns. The impending competition between Achane and Wright for touches as RB2 and RB3 promises to be an intriguing storyline during camp and preseason.
Wright possesses the least wear and tear among the running backs on the roster, offering him a distinct advantage over his competitors. This advantage positions him well to ascend the depth chart as the season progresses. While unlikely to start as a rookie, Wright could emerge as a valuable asset for Miami, accruing more touches as the season unfolds and potentially solidifying his place as RB2 by the end of his inaugural NFL campaign.
CB Kamal Hadden
Kamal Hadden faces the task of refining his skills in the initial years of his NFL career. Although he made significant strides during his senior year at Tennessee, he still needs to take substantial steps forward to be NFL-ready by the start of the upcoming fall season.
However, this doesn’t discount the possibility for the sixth-round draft pick. While Miami’s running back competition is fierce, the cornerback situation for the Chiefs presents a wide-open opportunity. According to CBS Sports’ projected lineup, Trent McDuffie and Joshua Williams are slated as the starting corners for the Chiefs, with Hadden positioned as CB2 behind Williams.
While Hadden currently holds the CB2 spot on this projected depth chart, it’s important to note that it’s only May, leaving ample time for Hadden to assert himself and potentially secure a starting role by Week 1. Even if he doesn’t crack the starting lineup in his rookie season, he’ll still have the chance to contribute to the Chiefs’ secondary throughout the 2024 season as a second-string cornerback.
WR Dee Williams
Dee Williams is among the nine Tennessee players who secured an undrafted free-agent contract following this year’s draft. His contributions to the Vols were multifaceted, spanning from playing in the defensive secondary and wide receiver positions to showcasing his prowess on special teams as a return specialist.
With Seattle, Williams is likely to vie for a roster spot primarily through his involvement in the special teams unit. His most straightforward path to making a notable impact in the NFL would be by excelling as a punt and kick returner for the Seahawks, leveraging his explosive playmaking abilities.
While the Seahawks haven’t released an official depth chart, OurLads has provided a projected one for the 2024 season, where Williams currently occupies the second punt returner and third kick returner slots. This places him in close proximity to potentially stepping into the role of Seattle’s primary return specialist with just one play separating him from the opportunity.
To secure his place on the roster as a special teams player, Williams will need to make significant contributions throughout training camp and preseason. However, if he manages to survive the roster cuts, he has the potential to emerge as a impactful player for the Seahawks throughout the entirety of the 2024 season.
