Pair of Vols Make PFWA All-Rookie Team
The Pro Football Writers Association recognized two former Tennessee Volunteers for their rookie season accomplishments.Volunteers in Tennessee
An exceptional class from the University of Tennessee was selected in the 2023 NFL Draft. Many of their class carried hype into their professional careers for a variety of reasons. The class was highlighted by a crop of strong offensive playmakers from their historic 2022 season.
In their rookie seasons, two former Vols were recognized for their professional efforts. One of the most exclusive awards for a rookie player is being named to the PFWA All-Rookie team, which included linebacker Byron Young of the Los Angeles Rams and offensive tackle Darnell Wright of the Chicago Bears. Given that they both had exceptional seasons and that two clubs are on the rise, both have bright futures.
Along with Alabama, Ohio State, USC, Iowa, TCU, and Penn State, Tennessee was one of only seven universities in the country and two in the SEC to place multiple players on the PFWA NFL All-Rookie Team. Tennessee became the fourth school to have a player on both the offensive and defensive teams, after Alabama, Iowa, and USC.
Wright, an offensive tackle for the Vols for four seasons, was selected by Chicago with the 10th overall pick in the first round of the 2023 draft, making him the highest-drafted offensive lineman in the SEC.
Wright made a name for himself immediately away, starting all 17 games and accounting for the highest percentage of team snaps—99.6%—of all Bears players. Los Angeles selected edge rusher Young, who performed admirably throughout the pre-draft process, notably at the Senior Bowl, with the 77th overall pick in the third round.
During his rookie campaign, he performed admirably, making it to the postseason while recording 61 total tackles, eight sacks, 19 quarterback hits, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery. In terms of sacks, he ranked second among all rookies. Tennessee in the PFWA All-Rookie Team
