Most important players we need to return

[Sarms58]

We’re about two weeks from the portal window opening and hopefully won’t lose any critical pieces there. But I’m more looking at the players who can declare for the draft or pursue another year in college. Of course these guys could exit via the portal as well but really looking at which players would help us the most if they choose to return to Tennessee next year. My top five are:
1) Cooper Mayes
2) Javontez Spraggins
3) John Campbell
4) Omarr Norman-Lott
5) Omari Thomas

I didn’t include Barron because I really don’t see him staying…and as I like to joking say, he’s being held back by staying in the SEC. But we probably have more quality depth at DE than at DT and you have to have strong DT play if you want to have a shot at being competitive.

 

[TennVols12]

Maybe add Bru? I think he’s got 1 year of eligibility remaining, but not 100% sure.

It’d be nice to also have Wright back at RB, but I think he’s played himself into some nice change come April.

 

[KittenVol]

Maybe add Bru? I think he’s got 1 year of eligibility remaining, but not 100% sure.

It’d be nice to also have Wright back at RB, but I think he’s played himself into some nice change come April.

If Bru returns next year, then when he’s a rookie in the NFL he’ll be 25. Do you really think that’s the smart thing for him to do? I want him to go get paid.

 

[17Vols]

If Bru returns next year, then when he’s a rookie in the NFL he’ll be 25. Do you really think that’s the smart thing for him to do? I want him to go get paid.

NIL money might be better depending on his draft grade.

 

[EconVol92]

If Bru gets a first or second round grade he should go; otherwise, I would think it’s to his advantage to return and hope to get a higher draft grade.

 

[OrangeTsar]

I want Pili to come back

 

[DaddyChad]

If Bru gets a first or second round grade he should go; otherwise, I would think it’s to his advantage to return and hope to get a higher draft grade.

He’s not getting that high of draft grade. Tough decision for him but I think he’s better off to come back.

 

[Dadof2Vols]

Nico

 

[DaddyChad]

Campbell is gone. Coop I doubt is coming back; he’s had a lot of nagging issues the last couple of years. Omari I think goes pro and gets drafted higher than most imagine. ONL no idea with him? I think he had planned on coming back. Wright is gone as well at RB. We’re going to have a lot of spots to address on the LOS through the portal.

 

[MiramarVol]

We need help at LB. Especially inside. Corners & their development from now to September '24 will be crucial. Our OL needs to grow and mature. Hopefully, a few will set to make a difference.

 

[Woodlawn VOL]

I think Bru will come back and have a very good year next year and he will for sure up his grade if he shows no ill effects from
Injury. He would be a great target for Nico, Bru can get off coverage better than anybody we have right now. GBO

 

[Sarms58]

NIL money might be better depending on his draft grade.

Minimum salary for an NFL rookie is $750,000. I’m not sure how much NIL we pay out.

 

[Bloodrunsorange27]

Need Mays, Bru and Pili to come back. Bru and Pili could really benefit by having a full healthy season. Bru especially with Nico at QB

 

[MountainDooley]

Getting Cooper to come back is the most important.

 

[Johnnyreb#VFL]

Pearce

 

[VOLINVONORE]

If Bru returns next year, then when he’s a rookie in the NFL he’ll be 25. Do you really think that’s the smart thing for him to do? I want him to go get paid.

I he has not had his really big year and would likely be 4-5 round pick next Spring. If he comes back and has the year he knows he can have, he could jump to a second round pick.. I think it is worth coming back.

 

[Rocky Top T]

Cooper and Bru would be excellent. Pili would be great too.

 

[vol94]

If Bru returns next year, then when he’s a rookie in the NFL he’ll be 25. Do you really think that’s the smart thing for him to do? I want him to go get paid.

He is leaning towards the NFL but waiting for the “experts” to advise which round he will be drafted. Personally I don’t think one yr will make a difference. We have a new QB and new o line.

Also, I’m sure it a bit challenging to be a 25 yr old hanging out with 18-21 yr olds.

 

[VAVol85]

Campbell is gone. Coop I doubt is coming back; he’s had a lot of nagging issues the last couple of years. Omari I think goes pro and gets drafted higher than most imagine. ONL no idea with him? I think he had planned on coming back. Wright is gone as well at RB. We’re going to have a lot of spots to address on the LOS through the portal.

Though I wish he would stay, I think Cooper should move on. He has demonstrated both ability and leadership. The knock on Cooper is his size, but that is not changing. So, he has little to gain and a lot to lose if one of the injury issues recurs.

Agree that Omari and Wright are gone, probably Campbell too.

I think ONL comes back and is a beast next year.

 

[njvols]

If Bru gets a first or second round grade he should go; otherwise, I would think it’s to his advantage to return and hope to get a higher draft grade.

Agree, but w/ injury and NIL, I'd guess he'll return. If he had a healthy season, he may have been second round-ish, but don't think there's any way he pulls better than 4-5 round, w/ teams not knowing his health situation. Though he's getting up there, I would think if he could pull in good NIL, that path would be better on a net earnings basis to get to a higher tier on draft day?

 

[Brave Volunteer]

NIL money might be better depending on his draft grade.

It's more than just the salary. It starts the clock on getting eligible for that NFL pension. You have to be in the league, I think its for at least 3 years to be eligible. Considering the injury that Bru already sustained I don't know if he wants to risk anything further. He may want to go ahead and get on a roster and start his clock.