Volunteers from Tennessee Are Immediately Changing NFL Rosters

Tennessee Volunteers football has long been a breeding ground for NFL talent, with alumni making an impact in the professional ranks year after year. The university has produced some of the most iconic players in NFL history, including Peyton Manning, Reggie White, and Jason Witten. More recently, the Tennessee Volunteers have continued to pump out high-level talent that is not just contributing to NFL teams but changing their rosters in meaningful ways from day one.

The impact that Tennessee players are having in the NFL is a testament to the evolving strength of the program under head coach Josh Heupel, who has led the team to national relevance in recent years with a potent offense. Tennessee’s ability to recruit and develop NFL-caliber talent is becoming increasingly evident, with players from recent drafts quickly transitioning to pro success and filling key roles on their respective teams.

In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the Volunteers currently changing NFL rosters, highlighting how these players are immediately contributing to their teams and shaping the future of the NFL. From high-impact draft picks to key undrafted free agents, Tennessee’s influence on the league is stronger than ever.

1. Hendon Hooker – Quarterback, Detroit Lions

One of the most high-profile Volunteers making an immediate impact in the NFL is Hendon Hooker, the former Tennessee quarterback who was selected by the Detroit Lions in the 2025 NFL Draft. Hooker, whose Heisman-caliber 2022 season was a standout for Tennessee, proved to be one of the most explosive quarterbacks in college football under Josh Heupel’s fast-paced offensive system.

Though Hooker tore his ACL in November 2023, limiting his participation in pre-draft workouts and leading to a slight drop in his draft stock, the Lions saw his potential and invested in him as a key piece of their future. Detroit, which had Jared Goff as the starting quarterback for the 2024 season, recognized Hooker’s dual-threat capabilities and leadership qualities. His playmaking ability, combined with his calm demeanor under pressure, made him an appealing option for the Lions, who were looking to build a future with a dynamic signal-caller.

In training camp and early practices, Hooker showed that his recovery was on track and quickly adapted to the NFL level. His ability to throw deep passes with precision, combined with his mobility, gives Detroit a significant upgrade in the quarterback room. While Hooker will likely start as the backup behind Goff, there is a real chance he could take over the starting role in the near future if his development continues at the pace that many expect.

Hooker’s presence on the Lions roster brings a level of excitement and potential that could change the trajectory of Detroit’s offense in the coming years. His ability to move the ball downfield quickly, coupled with his leadership and understanding of Heupel’s system, could provide the Lions with a future star quarterback.

2. Jalin Hyatt – Wide Receiver, New York Giants

Jalin Hyatt, the speedy and explosive wide receiver from Tennessee, was one of the most electrifying players in college football during the 2022 season. Hyatt set multiple records for receiving touchdowns in a season, and his deep-threat ability made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. His combination of elite speed, route-running precision, and big-play potential quickly caught the attention of NFL scouts.

The New York Giants, looking to bolster their wide receiver corps and provide quarterback Daniel Jones with more weapons, selected Hyatt in the 2025 NFL Draft. From the moment he arrived at Giants camp, Hyatt has showcased the same game-changing speed that made him so successful at Tennessee. His ability to stretch the field and create separation from defenders has already made him a key target for Jones in the passing game.

Hyatt’s immediate impact in the NFL has been evident in training camp, where he has consistently burned cornerbacks with his speed and ability to create big plays. With the Giants’ offense looking to evolve and expand, Hyatt’s deep-threat presence will undoubtedly play a huge role. His capacity to take the top off of a defense and force opponents to focus on him opens up opportunities for the Giants’ other pass-catchers as well.

In a league where wide receiver depth is increasingly important, Hyatt’s presence immediately changes the dynamics of New York’s offense. His ability to create explosive plays could make the Giants offense significantly more dangerous, and if he continues to develop his route-running and overall game, Hyatt could become a star in the NFL sooner rather than later.

3. Darnell Wright – Offensive Tackle, Chicago Bears

Darnell Wright, an imposing offensive tackle for the Tennessee Volunteers, was another player who made an immediate impact at the NFL level after being selected in the 2025 NFL Draft. Wright is a true powerhouse, standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing in at around 330 pounds. He was a mainstay on Tennessee’s offensive line for several years, providing excellent protection for quarterbacks like Hendon Hooker and opening up running lanes for the Vols’ dynamic backs.

Wright’s ability to handle powerful edge rushers, combined with his quick footwork and solid technique, made him a highly coveted prospect during the draft process. The Chicago Bears, who have struggled with offensive line consistency in recent years, saw Wright as the perfect player to anchor their line and protect quarterback Justin Fields, who is known for his dual-threat ability and penchant for extending plays.

In his first season with the Bears, Wright has made an immediate impact, winning a starting spot on the offensive line. His size and strength have allowed him to dominate at the point of attack, while his agility and ability to move quickly in space have given him an edge in both pass protection and the run game. With Wright locking down the right tackle spot, the Bears’ offensive line has seen significant improvement in its ability to protect Fields and create running lanes for the backs.

As the Bears look to build around their young quarterback and turn their offense into a force, Wright’s presence on the line is a game-changer. He brings physicality, consistency, and leadership to an area of the field that is critical to the team’s success. If Wright continues to develop at the NFL level, he could become one of the league’s premier tackles.

4. Byron Young – Edge Rusher, Los Angeles Rams

Tennessee’s defense has produced several NFL-caliber players in recent years, and one of the most impressive is Byron Young, an edge rusher who was a standout for the Volunteers. Young’s motor, ability to rush the passer, and relentless pursuit of quarterbacks made him a nightmare for opposing offenses in the SEC. His versatility and explosiveness off the edge gave Tennessee’s defense a significant boost, and it didn’t take long for NFL scouts to take notice.

The Los Angeles Rams, looking to solidify their pass rush and bring more pressure to opposing quarterbacks, selected Young in the 2025 NFL Draft. From the moment he arrived in LA, Young showed his potential as an immediate contributor to the Rams’ defense. His speed, quickness, and ability to disrupt plays in the backfield have made him a key piece of the team’s defensive front. Young’s presence on the field not only boosts the Rams’ pass rush but also creates more opportunities for their secondary to make plays.

In training camp, Young has already demonstrated his ability to get to the quarterback quickly, recording several sacks and disrupting passing plays. As the Rams look to continue their defensive rebuild, Young’s development as a pass rusher will be critical to the team’s success. If he can continue to improve his technique and work on his overall game, Young could become a staple on the Rams’ defense for years to come.

5. Cedric Tillman – Wide Receiver, Cleveland Browns

Another standout wide receiver from Tennessee is Cedric Tillman, who was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the 2025 NFL Draft. Tillman’s ability to make contested catches, combined with his size and physicality, made him a top target for the Volunteers during his college career. His ability to use his body to create separation and make difficult catches in tight spaces was evident on multiple occasions for Tennessee.

The Cleveland Browns, in search of a big-bodied, physical receiver to complement their offense, selected Tillman with the hope that he would develop into a key piece for quarterback Deshaun Watson. Tillman’s immediate impact in the NFL has been felt as he quickly integrated himself into the Browns’ offense. His ability to win one-on-one matchups in the red zone and move the chains on third downs makes him a valuable asset for Cleveland.

While Tillman may not have the blazing speed of other wideouts in the league, his size, catch radius, and ability to make tough catches in key moments have already made him a valuable target for Watson. Tillman’s ability to stretch the field and create mismatches will undoubtedly change the dynamics of the Browns’ passing game.