Since Josh Heupel began as the Tennessee head coach, a pipeline from college to the NFL has been reestablished.
A total of 13 players have been drafted under Heupel. The Vols’ past success on Saturdays will be transferred over to Sundays during the 2024-25 season.
The NFL season kicks off Thursday at Arrowhead Stadium, a rematch of the AFC Championship game just a year prior between the Baltimore Ravens and the Kansas City Chiefs. For Vols fans, the opener includes former 2021 sixth-round pick Trey Smith.
Here are some guys to look out for this upcoming week.
Joshua Palmer, wide receiver
Another selection out of the 2021 NFL Draft, Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Joshua Palmer is lined up for an important role in the 2024 Chargers offense.
“My focus this offseason,” Palmer said, “was strictly mental — how do I get my mind right. A lot of people struggle with that. … I wanted to make sure my mind is concrete — hard to break.”
Palmer finished his 2023-24 season with 581 yards over 38 catches before he was sidelined with a knee injury in the middle of last season. The wideout only played 11 games.
The 24-year-old was on pace for one of his best seasons as a pro. Palmer has another chance to pack the stat sheet, especially with the departure of Keenan Allen.
Palmer will face off against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday.
Dee Williams, punt returner
A signed free agent to the Seattle Seahawks, former Vol Dee Williams is in line for the team’s starting punt returner job to kick off the season.
Better known for his punt return against Texas A&M last season, Williams will get the same opportunity to do so in the NFL. The rookie impressed during preseason enough to earn a roster spot, penciling into the starting role on special teams.
With the new kickoff rules being input, Williams will be subject to some possible reps on the kick return as well.
“I think that’s one of the biggest reasons why I’m here,” Williams said. “At this level right now, because of the kickoff rule and the coaches and myself knowing that I can be like that dynamic player for the new rules.”
Williams’ first game will feature the Seahawks against the Denver Broncos.
Byron Young, edge
Yet another third-round pick, Byron Young is prepared for a big sophomore season with the Rams.
Marking up eight sacks during his rookie season, Young stepped into a young defensive line and shined hope on a unit losing its best piece in Aaron Donald.
“You don’t have to make every play,” Young said. “Just play your hardest and just do the play how it’s designed. Don’t try to do too much. Just do literally what you’re supposed to do and play hard. And that paid off.”
Young’s sophomore campaign begins with a Sunday Night Football game against the Detroit Lions.
Darnell Wright, offensive tackle
The highest-selected player from the Josh Heupel era, offensive tackle Darnell Wright was picked at No. 10 in the 2023 draft by the Chicago Bears. Wright will be tasked with protecting the top overall pick in the 2024 draft, Caleb Williams.
Wright started in all 17 games for the Bears last season, playing all offensive snaps in 15 out of 17 of those games. Within them, Wright handled the likes of Aidan Hutchinson and Maxx Crosby impressively.
Wright finished his rookie year allowing seven sacks along with 51 pressures, displaying traits that a team needs in a cornerstone offensive lineman.
Currently, Wright aims to build off of his resume and redefine the legacy of offensive linemen from Tennessee.
Wright will get a taste of the home state Tennessee Titans on Sunday.
Thursday Night Football takes the reins and jump-starts a busy Week 1 slate, with an 8:20 p.m. ET kickoff in Kansas City.
