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So last night/early morning, I was bored. I decided for some reason to look at Vols in the pros. I started messing around and ended up doing an All-Vol 22 edition, but just based on their NFL career. I made two rules:
1) Must have played for Tennessee for two years and considered drafted from Tennessee.
2) Must have played five years after the 1970 merger, since the NFL was such a different game before then.
In the others considered part, these would be the guys I would have selected or almost taken with a full NFL roster.
QB Peyton Manning (Tennessee: 1994-1997/NFL: 1998-2014)
Thoughts: No one else even considered. This wasn't close. Bobby Scott would be the backup.
RB Jamal Lewis (Tennessee: 1997-1999/NFL: 2000-2011)
Thoughts: This was closer than you might think, but his 2,000 yard season gave him the #1 spot at RB.
Others considered: Charlie Garner (Tennessee: 1992-1993/NFL: 1994-2004), Arian Foster (College: 2004-2008/NFL: 2009-current, Shawn Bryson (College: 1995-1998/NFL: 1999-2006) at FB
WR Stanley Morgan (Tennessee: 1973-1976/NFL: 1977-1990)
Thoughts: An unheralded great, he might have been the best wideout in the NFL in the early 80's. Over 19 yards per catch for his career.
WR Anthony Miller (Tennessee: 1986-1987/NFL: 1988-1997)
Thoughts: File this under players I barely knew about. This guy was good in the NFL. He wasn't know for his UT career because of injuries, but in the NFL he had four straight 1,000 yard seasons and almost 10,000 for his career.
WR Carl Pickens (Tennessee: 1989-1991)/NFL: 1992-2000)
Thoughts: Not a long career, but for a three year stretch, he averaged 1,180 yards and 13 TD's with some bad Cincinnati teams. The man was good.
Others considered: Willie Gault (Tennessee: 1979-1982/NFL: 1983-1993, Peerless Price (Tennesse: 1995-1998/NFL: 1999-2006, Alvin Harper (Tennessee: 1987-1990/NFL: 1991-1999)
TE Jason Witten (Tennessee: 2000-2002/NFL: 2003-2014)
Thoughts: Just like at QB, this was beyond easy. Only David Martin would be the other as a backup TE.
OT Chad Clifton (Tennessee: 1995-1999/NFL: 2000-2011)
Thoughts: The guy has a great career protecting Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers and could have played better had he not suffered injuries. He was a two time pro bowler and would have been better had Warren Sapp not been a jerk.
OT Tim Irwin (Tennessee: 1977-1980/NFL: 1981-1994)
Thoughts: Irwin was probably a better pro than collegiate. Known more as a run blocker, he had a really long career and didn't miss a game because of injury for 11 straight years.
Others considered: Richard Cooper (Tennessee: 1984-1987/NFL: 1990-1998, Antone Davis (Tennessee: 1987-1990/NFL: 1991-1997)
OG Harry Galbreath (Tennessee: 1984-1987/NFL: 1988-1996)
Thoughts: Galbreath was one of Tennessee' greatest offensive lineman and was a really good pass protector at guard despite not being the biggest guy. He started 16 games six straight years in a row.
OG Raleigh McKenzie (Tennessee: 1981-1984/NFL: 1985-2000)
Thoughts: His brother Reggie might be more famous for being GM of the Oakland Raiders and father of Vol commit Khalil McKenzie, but Raleigh was the better player. He was named one of the greatest 70 Washington Redskins and started 184 career games at guard.
Others considered: Cosey Coleman (Tennessee: 1997-1999/NFL: 2000-2006), Mickey Marvin (Tennessee: 1973-1976)
C: Bob Johnson (Tennessee: 1965-1967/NFL: 1968-1979
Thoughts: Can you name the second highest drafted Tennessee player of all time? Would Bob Johnson be your pick? Because it is. The second overall number pick in 1968, Johnson was a former Pro-Bowler and ten year starter in Cincinnati.
Others considered: Scott Wells (Tennessee: 2000-2003/NFL: 2004-2014)
Defense
DE Reggie White (Tennessee: 1980-1982/NFL: 1985-2000)
Thoughts: Maybe the greatest defensive player, White was the one time NFL sack holder, back to back defensive player of the year, and eight time all pro first time player. Had he not played his first two years in the USFL, he would still be the all time sack leader.
DE Shaun Ellis (Tennessee: 1996-1999/NFL: 2000-2011)
Thoughts: Because he didn't play for good teams most of his career, Ellis is overlooked. He was a complete player, known for his run stopping and had 73.5 sacks for his career. Shaun Ellis was really good.
Others considered: Leonard Little (Tennessee: 1995-1997/NFL: 1998-2009), Parys Haralson (Tennessee: 2003-2005/NFL: 2006-current)
DT John Henderson (Tennessee: 1998-2001/NFL: 2002-2011)
Thoughts: Henderson was a premier NFL run stopper and was a two time pro bowler at DT. He was overlooked in Jacksonville but was a consummate professional.
DT Albert Haynesworth (Tennessee: 1999-2001/NFL: 2002-2011)
Thoughts: Was Albert Haynesworth a screw up? Yes. Did he squander a lot of talent? You betcha. But for that two year period for the Tennessee Titans (2007-2008) he was the best defensive tackle in football. When his mind (and conditioning) was solid, he was great.
Others considered: Darwin Walker (Tennessee: 1997-1999/NFL: 2000-2008), Dan Williams (Tennessee: 2006-2009/NFL: 2010-2014)
LB Jack Reynolds (Tennessee: 1967-1969/NFL: 1970-1984)
Thoughts: What's not to like about a man named Hacksaw? He played inside, he played outside, he could drop back in coverage, stop the run, rush the QB. He was incredible. He was a two time pro bowler and won two Super Bowls as a MLB for the San Francisco 49ers.
LB Al Wilson (Tennessee: 1995-1998/NFL: 1999-2006)
Thoughts: Had his career not been cut short because of a neck injury, Wilson would have been remember more for his pro career and had a shot at the Hall of Fame. He was a five time pro-bowler and first team all pro and was one of the five best middle linebackers in football during his run with Denver.
LB Jerod Mayo (Tennessee: 2005-2007/NFL: 2008-current)
Thoughts: Yes, he plays MLB. I'm sure he can handle the Will spot at linebacker. Mayo is a multiple time pro bowler and has made first team all-pro in 2010. An excellent run stuffer, Mayo probably won't be a Hall of Famer but he definitely is going to have a great NFL career.
Others considered: Paul Naumoff (Tennessee: 1964-1966/NFL: 1967-1978), Steve Kiner (Tennessee: 1967-1969/NFL: 1970-1978), Mike Cofer (Tennessee: 1979-1982/NFL: 1983-1992)
CB Dale Carter (Tennessee: 1990-1991/NFL: 1992-2005)
Thoughts: Dale Carter has his problems with drugs, but he was still a hell of a player. He had a long NFL career, was NFL defensive rookie of the year in 1992, and very dangerous as a punt returner.
CB Terry McDaniel (Tennessee: 1983-1987/NFL: 1988-1998)
Thoughts: A very underrated Vol player and NFL player, McDaniel was a shut down corner in the mid 1990's. He made the pro bowl five straight years and during that stretch had 27 INT's.
Others considered: Jabari Greer (Tennessee: 2000-2003/NFL: 2004-2013), Terry Fair (Tennessee: 1995-1997/NFL: 1998-2002, 2005)
FS Deon Grant (Tennessee: 1997-2000/NFL: 2001-2011)
Thoughts: One of the better ballhawks in the 2000's, Grant was a true free safety that protected the back of the field and was a turnover machine. He had 30 INT's, 10 fumble recoveries, and 4 forced fumbles in his career.
SS Eric Berry (Tennessee: 2007-2009/NFL: 2010-current
Thoughts: Eric Berry is one of the ten best Vol players off all time and he's lived up to that billing as a pro. He's been a pro bowler every year he's been healthy and was a first team All-Pro player at safety last year. He's entering his prime and he is on his way to a Hall of Fame career.
Others considered: Roland James (Tennessee: 1977-1979/NFL: 1980-1990), Gibril Wilson (Tennessee: 2002-2003/NFL: 2004-2011)
K Fuad Reveiz (Tennessee: 1981-1984/NFL: 1985-1995)
Thoughts: Reveiz was the clear winner at kicker. He wasn't a great kicker, but was a pro bowler in 1994 and was known for his booming kickoffs.
P Dustin Colquitt (Tennessee: 2001-2004/NFL: 2005-current)
Thoughts: A career 45 yards per punt average, Colquitt isn't just known for a great leg. He's excellent at coffin corners and has done kickoffs some in his career.
1) Must have played for Tennessee for two years and considered drafted from Tennessee.
2) Must have played five years after the 1970 merger, since the NFL was such a different game before then.
In the others considered part, these would be the guys I would have selected or almost taken with a full NFL roster.
QB Peyton Manning (Tennessee: 1994-1997/NFL: 1998-2014)
Thoughts: No one else even considered. This wasn't close. Bobby Scott would be the backup.
RB Jamal Lewis (Tennessee: 1997-1999/NFL: 2000-2011)
Thoughts: This was closer than you might think, but his 2,000 yard season gave him the #1 spot at RB.
Others considered: Charlie Garner (Tennessee: 1992-1993/NFL: 1994-2004), Arian Foster (College: 2004-2008/NFL: 2009-current, Shawn Bryson (College: 1995-1998/NFL: 1999-2006) at FB
WR Stanley Morgan (Tennessee: 1973-1976/NFL: 1977-1990)
Thoughts: An unheralded great, he might have been the best wideout in the NFL in the early 80's. Over 19 yards per catch for his career.
WR Anthony Miller (Tennessee: 1986-1987/NFL: 1988-1997)
Thoughts: File this under players I barely knew about. This guy was good in the NFL. He wasn't know for his UT career because of injuries, but in the NFL he had four straight 1,000 yard seasons and almost 10,000 for his career.
WR Carl Pickens (Tennessee: 1989-1991)/NFL: 1992-2000)
Thoughts: Not a long career, but for a three year stretch, he averaged 1,180 yards and 13 TD's with some bad Cincinnati teams. The man was good.
Others considered: Willie Gault (Tennessee: 1979-1982/NFL: 1983-1993, Peerless Price (Tennesse: 1995-1998/NFL: 1999-2006, Alvin Harper (Tennessee: 1987-1990/NFL: 1991-1999)
TE Jason Witten (Tennessee: 2000-2002/NFL: 2003-2014)
Thoughts: Just like at QB, this was beyond easy. Only David Martin would be the other as a backup TE.
OT Chad Clifton (Tennessee: 1995-1999/NFL: 2000-2011)
Thoughts: The guy has a great career protecting Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers and could have played better had he not suffered injuries. He was a two time pro bowler and would have been better had Warren Sapp not been a jerk.
OT Tim Irwin (Tennessee: 1977-1980/NFL: 1981-1994)
Thoughts: Irwin was probably a better pro than collegiate. Known more as a run blocker, he had a really long career and didn't miss a game because of injury for 11 straight years.
Others considered: Richard Cooper (Tennessee: 1984-1987/NFL: 1990-1998, Antone Davis (Tennessee: 1987-1990/NFL: 1991-1997)
OG Harry Galbreath (Tennessee: 1984-1987/NFL: 1988-1996)
Thoughts: Galbreath was one of Tennessee' greatest offensive lineman and was a really good pass protector at guard despite not being the biggest guy. He started 16 games six straight years in a row.
OG Raleigh McKenzie (Tennessee: 1981-1984/NFL: 1985-2000)
Thoughts: His brother Reggie might be more famous for being GM of the Oakland Raiders and father of Vol commit Khalil McKenzie, but Raleigh was the better player. He was named one of the greatest 70 Washington Redskins and started 184 career games at guard.
Others considered: Cosey Coleman (Tennessee: 1997-1999/NFL: 2000-2006), Mickey Marvin (Tennessee: 1973-1976)
C: Bob Johnson (Tennessee: 1965-1967/NFL: 1968-1979
Thoughts: Can you name the second highest drafted Tennessee player of all time? Would Bob Johnson be your pick? Because it is. The second overall number pick in 1968, Johnson was a former Pro-Bowler and ten year starter in Cincinnati.
Others considered: Scott Wells (Tennessee: 2000-2003/NFL: 2004-2014)
Defense
DE Reggie White (Tennessee: 1980-1982/NFL: 1985-2000)
Thoughts: Maybe the greatest defensive player, White was the one time NFL sack holder, back to back defensive player of the year, and eight time all pro first time player. Had he not played his first two years in the USFL, he would still be the all time sack leader.
DE Shaun Ellis (Tennessee: 1996-1999/NFL: 2000-2011)
Thoughts: Because he didn't play for good teams most of his career, Ellis is overlooked. He was a complete player, known for his run stopping and had 73.5 sacks for his career. Shaun Ellis was really good.
Others considered: Leonard Little (Tennessee: 1995-1997/NFL: 1998-2009), Parys Haralson (Tennessee: 2003-2005/NFL: 2006-current)
DT John Henderson (Tennessee: 1998-2001/NFL: 2002-2011)
Thoughts: Henderson was a premier NFL run stopper and was a two time pro bowler at DT. He was overlooked in Jacksonville but was a consummate professional.
DT Albert Haynesworth (Tennessee: 1999-2001/NFL: 2002-2011)
Thoughts: Was Albert Haynesworth a screw up? Yes. Did he squander a lot of talent? You betcha. But for that two year period for the Tennessee Titans (2007-2008) he was the best defensive tackle in football. When his mind (and conditioning) was solid, he was great.
Others considered: Darwin Walker (Tennessee: 1997-1999/NFL: 2000-2008), Dan Williams (Tennessee: 2006-2009/NFL: 2010-2014)
LB Jack Reynolds (Tennessee: 1967-1969/NFL: 1970-1984)
Thoughts: What's not to like about a man named Hacksaw? He played inside, he played outside, he could drop back in coverage, stop the run, rush the QB. He was incredible. He was a two time pro bowler and won two Super Bowls as a MLB for the San Francisco 49ers.
LB Al Wilson (Tennessee: 1995-1998/NFL: 1999-2006)
Thoughts: Had his career not been cut short because of a neck injury, Wilson would have been remember more for his pro career and had a shot at the Hall of Fame. He was a five time pro-bowler and first team all pro and was one of the five best middle linebackers in football during his run with Denver.
LB Jerod Mayo (Tennessee: 2005-2007/NFL: 2008-current)
Thoughts: Yes, he plays MLB. I'm sure he can handle the Will spot at linebacker. Mayo is a multiple time pro bowler and has made first team all-pro in 2010. An excellent run stuffer, Mayo probably won't be a Hall of Famer but he definitely is going to have a great NFL career.
Others considered: Paul Naumoff (Tennessee: 1964-1966/NFL: 1967-1978), Steve Kiner (Tennessee: 1967-1969/NFL: 1970-1978), Mike Cofer (Tennessee: 1979-1982/NFL: 1983-1992)
CB Dale Carter (Tennessee: 1990-1991/NFL: 1992-2005)
Thoughts: Dale Carter has his problems with drugs, but he was still a hell of a player. He had a long NFL career, was NFL defensive rookie of the year in 1992, and very dangerous as a punt returner.
CB Terry McDaniel (Tennessee: 1983-1987/NFL: 1988-1998)
Thoughts: A very underrated Vol player and NFL player, McDaniel was a shut down corner in the mid 1990's. He made the pro bowl five straight years and during that stretch had 27 INT's.
Others considered: Jabari Greer (Tennessee: 2000-2003/NFL: 2004-2013), Terry Fair (Tennessee: 1995-1997/NFL: 1998-2002, 2005)
FS Deon Grant (Tennessee: 1997-2000/NFL: 2001-2011)
Thoughts: One of the better ballhawks in the 2000's, Grant was a true free safety that protected the back of the field and was a turnover machine. He had 30 INT's, 10 fumble recoveries, and 4 forced fumbles in his career.
SS Eric Berry (Tennessee: 2007-2009/NFL: 2010-current
Thoughts: Eric Berry is one of the ten best Vol players off all time and he's lived up to that billing as a pro. He's been a pro bowler every year he's been healthy and was a first team All-Pro player at safety last year. He's entering his prime and he is on his way to a Hall of Fame career.
Others considered: Roland James (Tennessee: 1977-1979/NFL: 1980-1990), Gibril Wilson (Tennessee: 2002-2003/NFL: 2004-2011)
K Fuad Reveiz (Tennessee: 1981-1984/NFL: 1985-1995)
Thoughts: Reveiz was the clear winner at kicker. He wasn't a great kicker, but was a pro bowler in 1994 and was known for his booming kickoffs.
P Dustin Colquitt (Tennessee: 2001-2004/NFL: 2005-current)
Thoughts: A career 45 yards per punt average, Colquitt isn't just known for a great leg. He's excellent at coffin corners and has done kickoffs some in his career.
