The Tennessee Volunteers' terrific 2022 squad has seen several of its members find their ways onto NFL teams this summer. Some came via the draft. However, several others have been signed as undrafted free agents and are looking to impress in NFL rookie minicamps this weekend.

Here are the former Tennessee players who have signed as undrafted free agents:

– Princeton Fant – Dallas Cowboys

– Jerome Carvin – Kansas City Chiefs

– Jeremy Banks – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

– Paxton Brooks – Indianapolis Colts

– LaTrell Bumphus – New York Giants

Fant could have a future as a fullback or H-back, as he's undersized to be a traditional NFL tight end. Carvin has played multiple interior line positions and has experience in zone or gap-based blocking schemes, so his versatility (not to mention his ability) could help him stick.

However, Jeremy Banks and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a pair who could be made for each other.

Banks was signed by former UT coach Jeremy Pruitt as a member of the 2018 class out of Cordova, Tennessee. After starting his career at running back and being booted from the team and then brought back by Pruitt, he converted to linebacker, where he broke out in 2021 with 128 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, and an interception.

Banks turned some heads at the combine with a 4.53 40, 10'7" broad jump, and 37.5" vertical jump. It wasn't enough to convince a team to draft him, but it did confirm that his athleticism is unquestionably a plus at the position. And when you're taking a chance on a player, that's what you want: athleticism and a high ceiling.

Two things give Banks a legitimate opportunity in Tampa: special teams and the depth chart.

Banks has the speed, instincts, and tackling skills to become an instant contributor on kick coverage units.  That skill is invaluable to a young players' chances of hoping to stick around.

Further, the Bucs' depth chart is positioned for an infusion of young, athletic talent at inside linebacker. Devin White is unhappy with his contract and has sought a trade. Lavonte David is on a one-year contract and is likely near the end of his time in Tampa. K.J. Britt is the team's first reserve inside linebacker.

And that likely leaves Banks and 5th-round draft pick SirVocea Dennis out of the University of Pittsburgh as the most likely candidates to claim the ILB4 spot on the team. Dennis is another aggressive tackler with sideline-to-sideline speed.  

The other ILB candidates include J.J. Russell and Ulysees Gilbert, who combined for 10 total tackles for the Bucs in 2022. They are primarily special teams players with not much chance of ascending far beyond.  Both Dennis and Banks have higher ceilings.  

And it's entirely possible the Bucs could choose to carry 5+ inside linebackers.  They've done that twice in the past four seasons (2019, 2021), so even if Banks doesn't claim the ILB4 spot over Dennis, he could still find himself on the active roster when all is said and done – provided he lives up to his potential. 

If he does, the Bucs could end up with one of the bigger steals of the 2023 offseason.