1. Nigel Warrior, Safety
Unless he absolutely bombs this season, Nigel Warrior is likely declaring for the NFL draft after his junior season this year. The rising junior flashed his potential as a true freshman in 2016, and he finally started coming into his own as a sophomore last year. Warrior started all 12 games at safety last season, and he was second on the team in tackles and was one of the biggest play-makers for the Vols’ defense. Warrior finished last year with 83 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, a sack, four passes defended, three forced fumbles, a blocked kick, and an interception he returned 70 yards for a touchdown.
As long as he doesn’t suffer an injury or see a drastic drop in production for any reason, Warrior will likely put together another good season at safety. And he’ll likely head to the NFL after this year as well.
