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Tennessee Posting Elite Combine Scores Reaffirms Strong Development Reputation

The NFL Combine has come and gone. Several programs had multiple high-performing athletes, including Tennessee. The Volunteers' success confirms their strong reputation.
Evan Crowell|
Tennessee Posting Elite Combine Scores Reaffirms Strong Development Reputation
Tennessee Posting Elite Combine Scores Reaffirms Strong Development Reputation

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Tennessee Volunteers

Recruiting pitches entail several factors these days, but the ultimate question from a recruit is simple: how can you help me get to the NFL? Every major college player dreams of performing on Sundays, and the program that gives them the best opportunity to do that often wins the battle.

Combine testing is an integral part of the predraft process. While numbers in an unusual setting aren't the end-all-be-all, there is some direct correlation between elite combine testing and NFL success. The most athletic, physical players often have the longest careers in a league driven by intangibles.

This year's NFL Combine reaffirmed the belief that some schools are ahead of others when developing their athletes as athletes. Tennessee, in particular, had an astounding showing, as many alums had excellent workouts and made themselves some serious money.

Jalin Hyatt, WR

Jalin Hyatt didn't run as quickly as many expected. There was a growing belief that he would run a sub-4.3 second forty-yard dash, matching the game speed. He ran a 4.41 time, an impressive time confusingly met with moderate disappointment.

His game has always been predicated on being the most explosive and dangerous player on the field. While Hyatt's top-end speed is certainly impressive, what makes him intriguing is how he gets to that top-end speed. His explosion scores match that logic; Hyatt broad-jumped 10'3" and vertical jumped forty inches.

Byron Young, EDGE

One of the biggest combine winners was Tennessee edge rusher Bryon Young. He was caught in no man's land ahead of the workout, and a drastic performance, either way, would swing his stock. He turned in an excellent RAS score and looked fluid in the on-field drills.

Young was mocked to the Seattle Seahawks in the first round of a recent mock draft by Mel Kiper Jr. His strong testing numbers may drastically raise his stock; Young tested historically well and would have been the No. 1 defensive line tester had it not been for UGA's Nolan Smith.

Darnell Wright, OT

Offensive tackle Darnell Wright continues to creep toward consensus first-round status, and his combine testing proved that. He was one of the shortest tackles measured but turned in a strong weight and athleticism combination that should negate any height concern.

Former NFL general manager Mike Tannenbaum is on record saying that he would take a shot on Wright within the first round. Many other executives think that, and it's why he likely comes off the board quickly.

Cedric Tillman, WR

Injuries ended wide receiver Cedric Tillman's top tier draft status after a spectacular sophomore season. The big-bodied pass catcher put up excellent numbers in the first season of head coach Josh Heupel and may have done big things without said injuries.

However, a team is likely going to take a shot on him higher than projected. Tillman has the physical attributes to become a legitimate X-wideout in the NFL, and that's one of the rarest offensive commodities in today's game.

Jeremy Banks, ILB

Inside linebacker Jeremy Banks wasn't carrying much hype ahead of the combine. The five-year defender opted for the professional ranks this offseason after a somewhat disappointing statistical season. Banks logged 53 tackles in 2022 contrasted to 128 in 2021.

He's always been an undersized missle, a ball of athleticism ready to attack. He measured elite in the explosion and speed portions of the combine; his agility drills left something to be desired, but Banks proved he's worth a day three developmental selection.

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Evan Crowell
EVAN CROWELL

Evan Crowell is currently pursuing a journalism degree from the University of Missouri and has various media experiences throughout his young career. He's been committed to marrying the fan's perspective of the game of football to the technical intricacies installed in each game by coaches and players. Crowell has been working at Fan Nation since 2020 and has covered high-profile college football games, recruiting events, and more during that five-year tenure. While he never played football, he's worked relentlessly to continue improving his understanding of the game while still covering the unique stories of each individual he covers.

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