Volunteer Country

Tennessee Vols to Tennessee Titan Pipeline? Titans Eyeing a Pair of Vols in NFL Draft

With both Thornton and Norman-Lott on their radar, the idea of a Vol-to-Titan pipeline is no longer just a fan-driven hope — it’s a realistic scenario.
Josh Greer|
Tennessee’s Tennessee defensive lineman James Pearce Jr. (27) celebrates Tennessee defensive lineman Omarr Norman-Lott’s (55) sack during an NCAA college football game between Tennessee and Mississippi State at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. (A nice clean celebration shot.)
Tennessee’s Tennessee defensive lineman James Pearce Jr. (27) celebrates Tennessee defensive lineman Omarr Norman-Lott’s (55) sack during an NCAA college football game between Tennessee and Mississippi State at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. (A nice clean celebration shot.) | Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

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Tennessee Volunteers

With both Thornton and Norman-Lott on their radar, the idea of a Vol-to-Titan pipeline is no longer just a fan-driven hope — it’s a realistic scenario.

A Vol-to-Titan Pipeline? Titans Eyeing Vols Duo — Dont’e Thornton Jr and Omarr Norman-Lott.

The Tennessee Titans may be building more than just their draft board — they could be laying the foundation for a new pipeline from Knoxville to Nashville.

Wide receiver Dont’e Thornton Jr. and defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott, two key contributors for the Tennessee Volunteers last season, are both official Top 30 visits with the Titans.

Top 30 visits are valuable draft resources — and the fact that these aren’t designated local visits speaks volumes. The Titans aren’t just doing their due diligence. They’re making it clear that Thornton and Norman-Lott are firmly in play as draft targets.

It’s not often that NFL franchises have the opportunity to keep homegrown collegiate stars in-state — but the Titans may have that chance in this year’s draft. With both Thornton and Norman-Lott on their radar, the idea of a Vol-to-Titan pipeline is no longer just a fan-driven hope — it’s a realistic scenario.

For the Titans, adding these two would bring instant familiarity and marketability to a roster undergoing transition. It’s not just about filling positional needs — it’s about connecting the brand to the heart of Tennessee football.

Thornton is a dynamic deep threat at the NFL level. His 25.4 yards per catch in 2024 led all of college football among receivers with 20+ receptions. Pair that explosiveness with his 6’4” frame and sub-4.4 speed, and Thornton is a weapon waiting to be unleashed in the right system.

Norman-Lott, meanwhile, brings disruptive to the defensive line. Despite being slightly undersized for an interior lineman, his 9.5 sacks over two seasons in the SEC speak to his relentless motor and ability to create havoc in the trenches.

A draft pairing of Thornton and Norman-Lott would be about more than just talent evaluation — it would symbolize a bridge between two of Tennessee’s biggest football brands. From Neyland Stadium’s checkerboard end zones to Nissan Stadium’s Sunday crowds, the storyline practically writes itself.

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Josh Greer
JOSH GREER

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