Tennessee Defender Labeled by ESPN as Top Draft Riser in 2025; NFL Scout Questions 2024 Usage
The Tennessee Volunteers football program has recently gained national attention for its talented roster, including one defender whose stock is rapidly rising ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft. ESPN analysts have pegged the player—a standout on the Vols’ defense—as one of the top risers in next year’s draft class. However, his sudden leap in recognition has also raised eyebrows, particularly among NFL scouts, who are questioning why he didn’t play a more prominent role for Tennessee during the 2024 season.
This combination of intrigue and excitement underscores both the immense talent of this defensive star and the potential oversight in his utilization by the Vols coaching staff.
The defender, whose identity has yet to dominate headlines like Tennessee’s offensive playmakers, is now squarely on the radar of NFL scouts and analysts. ESPN’s recent report highlighted his elite athleticism, physicality, and instincts as reasons for his skyrocketing draft stock. Scouts have described him as the “complete package” at his position, possessing a blend of speed, size, and football IQ that translates seamlessly to the NFL.
During the 2024 season, he showed flashes of brilliance when given the opportunity. Whether it was disrupting passing lanes, stuffing the run, or delivering game-changing hits, he consistently made his presence felt. Despite limited playing time, he finished the season with impactful stats, including multiple sacks, tackles for loss, and key turnovers.
While the player’s talent is undeniable, the NFL community has raised an important question: Why didn’t he play more in 2024? One scout, who spoke anonymously, stated, “Watching his film, it’s clear this kid has first-round potential. But I can’t figure out why he wasn’t on the field more often. You don’t leave a guy like that on the sidelines unless you have no choice.”
Part of the issue may have been Tennessee’s depth chart. The Vols boasted a strong defense in 2024, with established veterans in key positions. As a younger player, this rising star may have been overshadowed by older teammates or stuck in a rotation that didn’t fully capitalize on his abilities. Another possibility is that Tennessee’s defensive scheme simply didn’t lend itself to his skill set, though scouts believe he showed enough versatility to thrive in multiple roles.
Regardless of the reasons, the lack of significant playing time in 2024 hasn’t deterred NFL teams. If anything, it has added an element of mystery to his draft profile, with scouts eager to unlock his full potential at the next level.
The defender’s rise can be attributed to a few key traits that stand out on film. His closing speed is unmatched, allowing him to chase down ball carriers and quarterbacks alike. He also has a rare ability to read plays before they fully develop, putting himself in position to make impactful stops.
NFL teams are particularly intrigued by his versatility. He has shown the ability to line up at multiple positions, from edge rusher to outside linebacker, and even in pass coverage against tight ends and running backs. His physical tools, combined with his football IQ, make him a valuable chess piece for any defensive coordinator.
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, this Tennessee defender is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing prospects in the class. While his limited role in 2024 may have raised questions, it has done little to dampen enthusiasm about his potential. If anything, it adds a layer of intrigue as teams speculate about what he could accomplish with a full workload at the professional level.
For Tennessee, the situation serves as both a testament to the program’s ability to recruit and develop NFL-caliber talent and a reminder of the importance of maximizing that talent while it’s still on campus. Vols head coach Josh Heupel and his staff have built a team capable of competing in the SEC, but questions about player utilization could become a topic of conversation if more rising stars follow this path.
Regardless, the story of this defender’s rise from a rotational player in Knoxville to a potential first-round pick is one that reflects the unpredictability and excitement of college football and the NFL Draft. As his stock continues to rise, Tennessee fans and NFL scouts alike will be watching closely to see just how high he climbs.