Under-the-radar Vol has a chance to make it in the NFL thanks to new rule

A Tennessee Vols player that probably wasn't going to receive a shot in the NFL now has the chance to shine at the next level thanks to a new NFL rule.  Earlier this week, news broke that the NFL is adopting a new kickoff rule that will make returns safer and more entertaining.  Here's how […]

Zach Ragan — Tennessee Volunteers News Writer
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Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

A Tennessee Vols player that probably wasn't going to receive a shot in the NFL now has the chance to shine at the next level thanks to a new NFL rule. 

Earlier this week, news broke that the NFL is adopting a new kickoff rule that will make returns safer and more entertaining. 

Here's how the new kickoffs will look. 

The new rule instantly makes returners more valuable in the NFL. 

Former Vols standout Cordarrelle Patterson, a kickoff return specialist who can also play running back, for example, was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers just hours after the new rule was announced. 

Because of the new rule, former Tennessee kick returner Dee Williams should get a legitimate chance to make it in the NFL. 

Williams was a dynamic returner for the Vols. Every time he touched the ball on a return, he was a threat to score. 

Unfortunately for Williams, he didn't really play another position for the Vols. He transferred in as a cornerback, but he wasn't able to crack the rotation on defense. Williams also saw some limited reps on offense, but he wasn't able to put enough on tape for NFL teams to see what he's capable of doing on the offensive side of the ball. 

Now that returners are more valuable in the NFL than they have been in recent years, it's possible that franchises will choose to roster a return specialist who isn't really a factor on offense or defense. 

That doesn't necessarily mean that Williams will get selected in next month's draft, but he should, at the very least, get a chance as an undrafted free agent.

Kick returns are poised to be a huge part of the game in the NFL next season. It's easy to see Williams, one of the most dynamic returners in college football the past couple of seasons, getting a legit chance to make an impact in the NFL thanks to the new kickoff rule. 

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