This type of discussion will be rehashed a million times between now and spring ball... But I would like to run through what all the position groups look like as of today. Let's start with the defensive line.
OUTLOOK: Pending the health and development of a few DT's, we could be pretty salty inside. DE has a lot of question marks, but there are a good number of guys with a lot of potential to play on the edge. All in all, really solid group of players but need some more difference makers to emerge.
KONGBO: 6'6 270 -- He closed the season in very strong fashion. I compare him to Malik McDowell of Michigan St, who is about to be a 1st round draft pick. IMO, he never looked very comfortable on the edge. He is much more disruptive at DT. He obviously isn't going to excell at taking on double-teams, but inside is his highest ceiling. Not saying he can't play outside, but he's more effective on the interior and looks more comfortable. Getting to 285-290 would do him well. Kongbo is a potential difference maker.
TUTTLE: 6'2 311 -- He is special when he is healthy. His readiness physically will be a big part of this defensive line's success next season.
PHILLIPS: 6'4 259 -- Phillips needs to be a DE next season. We lack elite talent on the edge and he is a guy that could start at that position for next's years Vols. Needs to cut some baby fat and add some explosiveness to do this, but that is where he would help his team the most. If he can realize his potential, he would be a much needed difference maker.
SMITH: 6'3 236 -- Health has been a big obstacle for Smith. He is a good athlete and good player, but keeping him on the field to gain experience has been a real challenge. Hopefully he can gain some weight and be a factor in the DE rotation. A rotation that desperately needs some guys to step up.
TAYLOR: 6'4 240 -- Good player when given the opportunity, but does struggle with physicality. Another year in the weight room should help this portion of his game. Taylor will be a popular pick to replace the pass rush production we lose from team 120.
VICKERS: 6'3 295 -- Solid player, likely starter. Would love to see him step up his game and become more of a playmaker on the interior.
MIXON: 6'4 260 -- Solid player. Reminds me of LaTroy Lewis. Need to make more plays, particularly as a pass rusher.
BUTCHER: 6'2 275 -- Health is the issue here. If he can ever get and stay healthy I believe Butcher becomes a fan favorite. He would be an Aaron Donald type player on the interior. Not claiming he is a future 1st round draft pick, but similar build and skill set to Donald.
PICOU: 6'1 277 -- Love his natural leverage and athleticism but needs to continue to develop better physicality to his game.
MOSLEY: 6'4 340 -- Provides a different body type than most of the DT's on roster. I would be surprised if he made his way into the rotation though... We would all welcome such a surprise if Mosley decides he's going to be a player...
McDANIEL: 6'3 220 -- Based on his recruitment, all the physical tools to be an above average SEC DE are there. He needs to add a considerable amount of weight though. I think he's still a year away from legitimate contributions.
BAIN: 6'5 290 -- Bain looks the part and seems to play well when given the opportunity. He certainly has the "buy-in" to keep plugging away. Love having guys like this around.
JOHNSON: 6'4 310 -- Apparently one of the most talented guys on the DL. Conditioning was an issue after being on the shelf with his legal hurdles. Johnson's development will be big for team 121. He is a potential difference maker.
McKENZIE: 6'3 315 -- McKenzie was playing pretty darn good football prior to tearing his peck. He should return with no issues next season. I would like to see him regain a little weight. I am a big believer in strengthening a player's strengths... McKenzie's game was his punch off the line, he lost a little of that dropping so much weight. Certainly a potential difference maker.
INCOMING FRESHMAN: As far as committed guys go, I don't see any immediate impact guys on the list. All good players, just not year 1 contributors. Matthew Butler would be the closest in the group. If we are able to land Conliffe, Ray, or Sterling, they could see some time in year 1.
OUTLOOK: Pending the health and development of a few DT's, we could be pretty salty inside. DE has a lot of question marks, but there are a good number of guys with a lot of potential to play on the edge. All in all, really solid group of players but need some more difference makers to emerge.
KONGBO: 6'6 270 -- He closed the season in very strong fashion. I compare him to Malik McDowell of Michigan St, who is about to be a 1st round draft pick. IMO, he never looked very comfortable on the edge. He is much more disruptive at DT. He obviously isn't going to excell at taking on double-teams, but inside is his highest ceiling. Not saying he can't play outside, but he's more effective on the interior and looks more comfortable. Getting to 285-290 would do him well. Kongbo is a potential difference maker.
TUTTLE: 6'2 311 -- He is special when he is healthy. His readiness physically will be a big part of this defensive line's success next season.
PHILLIPS: 6'4 259 -- Phillips needs to be a DE next season. We lack elite talent on the edge and he is a guy that could start at that position for next's years Vols. Needs to cut some baby fat and add some explosiveness to do this, but that is where he would help his team the most. If he can realize his potential, he would be a much needed difference maker.
SMITH: 6'3 236 -- Health has been a big obstacle for Smith. He is a good athlete and good player, but keeping him on the field to gain experience has been a real challenge. Hopefully he can gain some weight and be a factor in the DE rotation. A rotation that desperately needs some guys to step up.
TAYLOR: 6'4 240 -- Good player when given the opportunity, but does struggle with physicality. Another year in the weight room should help this portion of his game. Taylor will be a popular pick to replace the pass rush production we lose from team 120.
VICKERS: 6'3 295 -- Solid player, likely starter. Would love to see him step up his game and become more of a playmaker on the interior.
MIXON: 6'4 260 -- Solid player. Reminds me of LaTroy Lewis. Need to make more plays, particularly as a pass rusher.
BUTCHER: 6'2 275 -- Health is the issue here. If he can ever get and stay healthy I believe Butcher becomes a fan favorite. He would be an Aaron Donald type player on the interior. Not claiming he is a future 1st round draft pick, but similar build and skill set to Donald.
PICOU: 6'1 277 -- Love his natural leverage and athleticism but needs to continue to develop better physicality to his game.
MOSLEY: 6'4 340 -- Provides a different body type than most of the DT's on roster. I would be surprised if he made his way into the rotation though... We would all welcome such a surprise if Mosley decides he's going to be a player...
McDANIEL: 6'3 220 -- Based on his recruitment, all the physical tools to be an above average SEC DE are there. He needs to add a considerable amount of weight though. I think he's still a year away from legitimate contributions.
BAIN: 6'5 290 -- Bain looks the part and seems to play well when given the opportunity. He certainly has the "buy-in" to keep plugging away. Love having guys like this around.
JOHNSON: 6'4 310 -- Apparently one of the most talented guys on the DL. Conditioning was an issue after being on the shelf with his legal hurdles. Johnson's development will be big for team 121. He is a potential difference maker.
McKENZIE: 6'3 315 -- McKenzie was playing pretty darn good football prior to tearing his peck. He should return with no issues next season. I would like to see him regain a little weight. I am a big believer in strengthening a player's strengths... McKenzie's game was his punch off the line, he lost a little of that dropping so much weight. Certainly a potential difference maker.
INCOMING FRESHMAN: As far as committed guys go, I don't see any immediate impact guys on the list. All good players, just not year 1 contributors. Matthew Butler would be the closest in the group. If we are able to land Conliffe, Ray, or Sterling, they could see some time in year 1.
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