Dee Williams declares for NFL draft!

[mattdingus2002]

Maybe he’s just tired of college. Nothing wrong with getting signed as a UFA and making league minimum as a special teams guy. What’s that worth, like $750k/year? Not a bad deal!!!

580k pre taxes. So if he gets signed in Tennessee/florida/Texas he’s keeping most of that

 

[mattdingus2002]

And we backed down from Evan Stewart? Unbelievable.

He’s likely out of our price range. We seem to be a more second tier program in the portal with not a ton to spend. It’s ok, we just need to lower our expectations as a program and see 8 or 9 wins as a ceiling and maybe a 10 win and get bounced first round of the playoffs every few years. The citrus bowl is pretty nice and pays out well

 

[CAVPUT]

He’s likely out of our price range. We seem to be a more second tier program in the portal with not a ton to spend. It’s ok, we just need to lower our expectations as a program and see 8 or 9 wins as a ceiling and maybe a 10 win and get bounced first round of the playoffs every few years. The citrus bowl is pretty nice and pays out well

Not even close to the truth.

 

[savannahfan]

This is really surprising to me. Great athlete, but he hasn't shown anything on offense or defense. I don't think the NFL drafts someone just based on their return ability.

That being said, I really hope he does well wherever he goes.

The problem with return guys is - - - there is very little for them to return. Punters can kick the ball 60-70 yards to be down inside the 10-15 yard line or kick it 50-60 yards to the bottom of the roof with no return possible. Kick offs? Just do away with them no need to even try a return if it is still on the field of play when you get the ball at the 25 and if you do try a return anyway, there will be holding or block in the back or kissing the opponent etc.. call most every time.

 

[mattdingus2002]

Not even close to the truth.

Then why do we keep backing off the big names and settling for the smaller guys? Tulane receiver could be decent, but it’s not been against good competition. An MTSU db? It could also be that Huepel isn’t great at recruiting or overestimates the ability of G5 players

 

[barney]

Dee is going to do really well as a return specialist in the NFL and with some actual coaching could see some playing time on defense. He's kind of a similar prospect to Joe Milton, has the skillet, passes the eye test just hasn't really lived up to his potential yet. Dudes like that get drafted all the time.

 

[TennesseeTarheel]

Where else is going to make $750k?

What's the after tax on 750k?

 

[CAVPUT]

Then why do we keep backing off the big names and settling for the smaller guys? Tulane receiver could be decent, but it’s not been against good competition. An MTSU db? It could also be that Huepel isn’t great at recruiting or overestimates the ability of G5 players

Have you read some of Stewarts comments? Everything from not "getting paid" to complaining about not getting help from the training staff for his physical and mental health? He's also reported to have sat out 3-4 games this year because he knew he wasn't staying around. He essentially quit on his mates. Read somewhere that he has 2 years...TWO and has 90 or so catches for about 1100 yards. Hardly eye popping numbers. Squirrel has 97 catches for almost 1300 yards in his 2 years. Plus, Stewart has made it clear that his intention is to apply for the draft after this next year so he's a one and done. He was already at a power 5 school yet wants out and wants to be paid. We take Brazzell who had 44 catches for 711 yards in his freshman year. He's got multiple years remaining. He was a freshman all-american and by all accounts was a terrific teammate and one of the most highly sought after WR's in the portal. He wants to show that he can play at this level, too. So tell me....which one looks like the right choice? Does Brazzell look like we "settled" or got smart?

 

[volbound1700]

Why does no one return kick offs anymore ? Felt like there were alot of times when he should’ve brought it out but didn’t

I thought he was a great kicker returner to be honest, one of the best we had. Still, not sure if that is enough for the NFL. Then again, he has a lot of upside to him. He maybe a late draft pick or picked up free agent and in a couple of years, he could hit it big. You never know.

I hope he does well.

 

[CAVPUT]

Dee is going to do really well as a return specialist in the NFL and with some actual coaching could see some playing time on defense. He's kind of a similar prospect to Joe Milton, has the skillet, passes the eye test just hasn't really lived up to his potential yet. Dudes like that get drafted all the time.

How many years has Dee had to "live up to potential" and show he can do something, anything other than field kicks and pull an occasional return? At some point, he is what he is. Those NFL roster spots are damned hard to come by and one trick ponies don't usually snag one. He might get an UDFA deal, but I'll be shocked if he hangs on a roster. Haven't seen anything else he can do and one thing is certain....the NFL doesn't need to spend time "developing" anyone. They draft dudes who have game and can produce.

 

[volbound1700]

Have you read some of Stewarts comments? Everything from not "getting paid" to complaining about not getting help from the training staff for his physical and mental health? He's also reported to have sat out 3-4 games this year because he knew he wasn't staying around. He essentially quit on his mates. Read somewhere that he has 2 years...TWO and has 90 or so catches for about 1100 yards. Hardly eye popping numbers. Squirrel has 97 catches for almost 1300 yards in his 2 years. Plus, Stewart has made it clear that his intention is to apply for the draft after this next year so he's a one and done. He was already at a power 5 school yet wants out and wants to be paid. We take Brazzell who had 44 catches for 711 yards in his freshman year. He's got multiple years remaining. He was a freshman all-american and by all accounts was a terrific teammate and one of the most highly sought after WR's in the portal. He wants to show that he can play at this level, too. So tell me....which one looks like the right choice? Does Brazzell look like we "settled" or got smart?

Yeah but you never know with these players. Bru McCoy sounded like a major headache at USC but has been all Vol and a great teammate here in Knoxville. Sometimes a change in scenery is a good thing for these players. It is like many of us at a job, sometimes it is not working out at Company A but you go to Company B and everything just clicks.

That being said, the comment about the Tulane player was just dumb because Brazzell is a solid player and was a great pickup. I am actually starting to wonder if he is going to replace Dee Williams as the return guy. He seems perfect for that role.

 

[JohnWardForever]

Why does no one return kick offs anymore ? Felt like there were alot of times when he should’ve brought it out but didn’t

Most kicks go through the endzone, coverage is really good and the guarantee of possession at the 25.

 

[CAVPUT]

Yeah but you never know with these players. Bru McCoy sounded like a major headache at USC but has been all Vol and a great teammate here in Knoxville. Sometimes a change in scenery is a good thing for these players. It is like many of us at a job, sometimes it is not working out at Company A but you go to Company B and everything just clicks.

That being said, the comment about the Tulane player was just dumb because Brazzell is a solid player and was a great pickup. I am actually starting to wonder if he is going to replace Dee Williams as the return guy. He seems perfect for that role.

No way I risk Brazzell returning kicks. He's far too valuable as a target for Nico. Use that walk on. Seems to be his thing. I'm sure there are several others who can fill that role. Seriously, it's not like returns were a big thing this year. Most of the time it's fair catch after fair catch. It's just not a big part of today's game....unfortunately.

 

[volbound1700]

No way I risk Brazzell returning kicks. He's far too valuable as a target for Nico. Use that walk on. Seems to be his thing. I'm sure there are several others who can fill that role. Seriously, it's not like returns were a big thing this year. Most of the time it's fair catch after fair catch. It's just not a big part of today's game....unfortunately.

You don't return often. Someone criticized Dee Williams here for not returning it enough but I thought Dee did a great job of picking when to return and when to call fair catch. He was a solid return guy for us. There really isn't as much risk as you think and, to be frank, returns are a lot less common today due to the new rules making it harder (and less valuable) to actually attempt returns.

 

[MegaVol615]

Then why do we keep backing off the big names and settling for the smaller guys? Tulane receiver could be decent, but it’s not been against good competition. An MTSU db? It could also be that Huepel isn’t great at recruiting or overestimates the ability of G5 players

We’re not settling for smaller guys. Holden Staes and Jermod McCoy were two of the most coveted guys at their positions. The MTSU DB is a depth piece. Our WR room is loaded next year and the sky is not falling my friend.

 

[CAVPUT]

You don't return often. Someone criticized Dee Williams here for not returning it enough but I thought Dee did a great job of picking when to return and when to call fair catch. He was a solid return guy for us. There really isn't as much risk as you think and, to be frank, returns are a lot less common today due to the new rules making it harder (and less valuable) to actually attempt returns.

Crazy stuff happens on a field. I'm hopeful that we've improved the roster to the point of not needing to use starters on special teams. Brazzell isn't being brought in to be a depth piece. I think the staff expects him to be a major contributor. Gotta be someone else who can do what Dee did. Can't recall his name and too lazy to look, but there was a tiny white kid who grabbed a PWO who was reported to be dynamic as a return man. Seems like an obvious choice and frankly, I suspect that's exactly why he was offered as a PWO.

 

[bigorangepoppa]

Maybe it was just what he wanted? Maybe we have someone else who can do what he does? Maybe he didn't bring anything else to the team and these days returns are kind of a dying part of the game? Maybe UT needed the scholarship for someone else? Lots of possibles. Regardless, I wish him well. Good luck to him.

As for the second part of your comment, Boo Carter comes to mind.

 

[bigorangepoppa]

It's a waste now with spotting a fair catch at the 25. Might as well just sit the ball on the 25 and let the kicker sit.

That's actually not a bad idea. Give the coach the option of a kick or spot the ball at the 25. That could be one way to shorten the game.

 

[Carp]

these dudes declaring for the draft when they have done almost nothing.... really strange stuff

He can make 12k per week on an NFL practice squad. He isn't getting that in college and he's unlikely to improve his stock enough to warrant coming back.

With his return ability, he is absolutely talented enough to be on a practice squad.

 

[ksgovols]

Good luck Dee! Thank you for your contribution!

 

[BernardKingGOAT]

I’m not talking about his character. He was a great returner though. He was pretty much a return specialist in the NFL. Now it’s definitely not the same as Dee but that person’s post made me think of Meggett.

He got considerable PT at RB, especially on third down. Much more so than Patterson does

 

[barney]

Crazy stuff happens on a field. I'm hopeful that we've improved the roster to the point of not needing to use starters on special teams. Brazzell isn't being brought in to be a depth piece. I think the staff expects him to be a major contributor. Gotta be someone else who can do what Dee did. Can't recall his name and too lazy to look, but there was a tiny white kid who grabbed a PWO who was reported to be dynamic as a return man. Seems like an obvious choice and frankly, I suspect that's exactly why he was offered as a PWO.

we'd likely be 7-5 without Dee

 

[hUTch2002]

He got considerable PT at RB, especially on third down. Much more so than Patterson does

I wouldn’t say considerable time but he definitely played the position. He averaged about 5 touches per game between rushing and receiving, pretty evenly split actually, while averaging about 4 touches per game between KOs and punt returns. Like I said, not the same as Williams for sure but he’s the name that popped in my head first when I hear return specialist. Someone else mentioned Devin Hester and he’s a great example too. You said Patterson so I assume you’re referring to Cordarelle. He’s in the same boat as Hester and Meggett. He played some at RB and WR. Whoever said the NFL doesn’t draft people just to be a returner is correct as the rosters aren’t big enough.

 

[CaliVol2009]

these dudes declaring for the draft when they have done almost nothing.... really strange stuff

Almost nothing? Lol. He’s one of the top return guys in college football.

 

[hUTch2002]

Crazy stuff happens on a field. I'm hopeful that we've improved the roster to the point of not needing to use starters on special teams. Brazzell isn't being brought in to be a depth piece. I think the staff expects him to be a major contributor. Gotta be someone else who can do what Dee did. Can't recall his name and too lazy to look, but there was a tiny white kid who grabbed a PWO who was reported to be dynamic as a return man. Seems like an obvious choice and frankly, I suspect that's exactly why he was offered as a PWO.

If his name is Tim Dwight then sign him. Wait, what year is this? He might be out of eligibility.