CBS Sports believes, in retrospect, that a former Tennessee Vols standout should’ve been a first-round selection in the 2026 NFL Draft.

The national sports media outlet “redrafted” the 2023 NFL Draft, and they have former Vols EDGE Byron Young going to the Detroit Lions with the No. 18 overall pick.

Young was originally selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the third round (No. 77 overall).

“Young has 29 sacks in three seasons, including 12 in 2025 — which is tied for second among pass rushers from the 2023 class behind Tuli Tuipulotu,” wrote CBS Sports’ Ryan Wilson. “Young is an older player for the 2023 class (he’s 28, while Anderson is just 24), but that’s not necessarily a bad thing; sure, maybe his ceiling is lower — but it was already pretty high when he arrived in the league.”

Young has been incredibly productive for a third round pick. And as a result, he’s in a strong position to potentially receive a contract extension from the Rams this offseason.

Byron Young isn’t the only former Vol from the 2023 draft class in line for a contract extension

Former Vols offensive tackle Darnell Wright is also in line for an extension this offseason.

Wright, who was drafted by the Chicago Bears with the No. 10 overall pick in 2023, was named Second-Team All-Pro last season.

The West Virginia native appears to be locked in as the Bears’ franchise right tackle, and he’s expected to receive a lucrative extension possibly as early as this offseason.

“We’ll work on a potential extension here in the near future,” said Bears general manager Ryan Poles earlier this spring when asked about Wright.

“Darnell has been a Day one starter since he’s been here,” added Bears assistant general manager Jeff King. “He’s been a good player, and hopefully he’ll be here for years to come.”

Chicago picked up Wright’s fifth-year option in April.