After a six-year career with Tennessee football, defensive back William Wright is beginning his professional career. After the 2026 NFL Draft on Saturday, Wright signed with the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent.
Wright primarily played on special teams during his career, but carved out a role as a cornerback on defense in 2025. This included playing significant snaps in the Music City Bowl loss to Illinois, with Colton Hood sitting out of the game in anticipation of the draft.
During the 2025 season, Wright appeared in 13 games. He recorded 14 tackles, an interception and two passes defended. His pick was returned 35 yards for a touchdown, as well.
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Wright spent all six years of his career at Tennessee. In 2020, he did not see any action under Jeremy Pruitt. He then stuck through the coaching change to Josh Heupel. In 2021, he played in just two games, earning a redshirt and allowing him to use 2020 as a Covid year.
Wright is from Nashville, Tennessee, where he played for Ensworth. As a senior in 2019, he helped the Tigers reach an 8-4 record and the second round of the Division II-AAA state playoffs. He was a two-way player who posted 27 tackles and two interceptions while also making 11 catches for 174 yards and two touchdowns during that season, as well. He also ran track and field during his high school career.
During the 2026 NFL Draft, Tennessee saw five players hear their names called. This included four on the defensive side of the ball. The group was cornerback Colton Hood in the second round, wide receiver Chris Brazzell in the third, cornerback Jermod McCoy in the fourth, edge rusher Joshua Josephs in the fifth and defensive end Tyre West in the seventh.
