Former Vols standout named top performer at combine at his position
A former Tennessee Vols standout had a tremendous showing at the NFL draft combine this past week
The Tennessee Vols could have seven or eight players selected in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Tennessee hasn't had eight or more players selected in the draft since 2003 (that draft class featured legendary tight end Jason Witten).
The Vols had five players drafted in 2022 (Alontae Taylor, Velus Jones, Matthew Butler, Cade Mays, and Theo Jackson).
One of the Vols that's expected to be drafted next month is right tackle Darnell Wright.
In fact, Wright might be the first Tennessee player selected, thanks to his strong showings at the Senior Bowl and NFL Draft combine.
Wright was named this week by 247Sports as the top-performing offensive tackle at the combine.
From 247Sports: Wright had a spectacular 2022 season, making his name by shutting down Alabama’s Will Anderson. Wright plays with a nasty demeanor and is a finisher, using his massive 6’5, 333 pound frame to impose his will. Wright has great length and shocked me by running a 5.01 40 yard dash at that size. He’s also explosive for a big body, hitting 29 inches on his vertical and broad jumping 9’6. Wright was smooth in his position drills and solidified himself as a first-rounder. He’s likely a day one starter for a team that needs some juice injected in their offensive line.
Wright also received some praise this week from NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah, who suggested that Wright belongs in the conversation for the top offensive tackle in the draft.
Wright went up against the best of the best in 2022 and he dominated. He gave up zero sacks last season despite going head-to-head against guys like Alabama's Will Anderson and LSU's BJ Ojulari.
The only issue with Wright is that he's better suited for right tackle than left tackle. A team that needs a left tackle will likely pass on him in the first round.
Still, it's possible that Wright will go in the middle of the first round. Finding a high-quality tackle is always an attractive option for NFL franchises.
