Pair of Vols Make PFWA All-Rookie Team
The University of Tennessee sent an outstanding class into the 2023 NFL Draft. The batch was highlighted by a crop of standout offensive playmakers from their historic 2022 season, and many members of their class carried hype into their professional careers for various reasons.
Two former Vols earned recognition for their professional efforts in their rookie seasons. Chicago Bears offensive tackle Darnell Wright and Los Angeles Rams linebacker Byron Young earned spots on PFWA's All-Rookie team, one of the most prestigious honors for a rookie player. The future looks bright for both, as they had standout seasons with two clubs trending in the right direction.
"Tennessee was one of seven schools nationally and two in the SEC to place multiple players on the PFWA NFL All-Rookie Team, joining Alabama, Ohio State, USC, Iowa, TCU and Penn State. Tennessee joined Alabama, Iowa and USC as the only schools to put a player on the offensive team and the defensive team.Wright, who played four seasons at offensive tackle for the Vols, was the SEC's highest drafted offensive lineman in 2023, going No. 10 overall in the first round to Chicago. Wright quickly established himself, starting all 17 games and playing 99.6 percent of the team's snaps, the most of any Bears player. After shining in the pre-draft process, including the Senior Bowl, the edge rusher Young was drafted No. 77 overall in the third round by Los Angeles. He delivered in his first season, reaching the playoffs and posting 61 total tackles, eight sacks, 19 quarterback hits, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. He was second among all rookies in sacks." Tennessee on PFWA All-Rookie Selections
Los Angeles Rams LB Byron Young working against San Francisco 49ers OT Trent Williams. (Photo by Darren Yamashita of USA Today Sports)
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