Tennessee’s Trade Targets: Who the Vols Might Be Eyeing in the Offseason

Tennessee’s Trade Targets: Who the Vols Might Be Eyeing in the Offseason

As the 2023 season nears its end, the Tennessee Volunteers, also known as the Vols, have proven themselves to be a competitive team in the world of college football. With a solid coaching staff and an ever-growing roster of talented players, the Vols are looking to continue improving and challenge for supremacy within the SEC. To achieve this goal, offseason trades and acquisitions may be pivotal in strengthening the roster in key positions.

As we look toward the offseason, it’s important to assess the potential trade targets for Tennessee, focusing on areas of need that could elevate the team’s chances of success in the coming seasons. While college football doesn’t have a traditional trade deadline like the NFL or NBA, the transfer portal has revolutionized how teams can bring in new talent, allowing them to supplement their current roster with key players.

In this article, we will look at the Tennessee Volunteers’ current needs, evaluate positions that might need strengthening, and explore potential trade targets—whether through the transfer portal, from the NFL draft, or via potential player movement. We will break down the most pressing needs for Tennessee and name several prospects and veterans who could be key to the Vols’ championship aspirations.

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Tennessee’s Current Roster Strengths and Weaknesses

Before diving into the trade targets for the Vols, it’s essential to understand where Tennessee stands as a team and which areas need reinforcement. Over the past few seasons, Tennessee has seen significant improvement under head coach Josh Heupel, turning the program into a perennial contender in the SEC.

1. Offensive Strengths:

Quarterback: With the emergence of Joe Milton and his cannon arm, Tennessee has one of the most powerful quarterbacks in the SEC. However, Milton’s accuracy and decision-making are still a work in progress. Having a reliable backup quarterback or a future heir apparent could be beneficial for the Vols.

Wide Receiver: Tennessee has produced some of the top wide receiver talent in the country in recent years, including standout players like Jalin Hyatt. While the team remains potent in the passing game, there could be room for an elite receiver to emerge as a consistent deep threat.

Running Back: With talented backs like Jaylen Wright and Dylan Sampson, Tennessee’s ground game remains strong, particularly with Heupel’s up-tempo offensive scheme.

 

2. Defensive Strengths:

Linebacker and Secondary: The Vols have a solid linebacker corps, and their secondary, featuring players like Kamal Hadden, has grown stronger in recent seasons. The development of young talent will be crucial in keeping the defense competitive in the high-scoring SEC.

Defensive Line: Although the defensive line has solid players, the team will need more depth and elite pass-rushing ability to compete at the highest level.

 

3. Areas of Weakness:

Offensive Line: One of the more significant areas of concern for Tennessee is the offensive line. While they have talent on the roster, the line has at times struggled with consistency, particularly in run blocking. Adding a veteran offensive lineman could help Tennessee establish more balance in the running game and offer Milton more time in the pocket.

Pass Rusher: While Tennessee’s defense has improved, they lack a true game-wrecking edge rusher capable of consistently putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks. This is a key area where an offseason trade or acquisition could have a major impact.

Defensive Tackle: The Vols could also benefit from adding more depth on the interior of the defensive line. A powerful run-stopper could help Tennessee shore up their defensive front against the physical SEC ground attacks.

 

 

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Potential Trade Targets for Tennessee

As Tennessee looks to address these needs, the transfer portal will likely be the most prominent avenue for player acquisition. However, other avenues, such as the NFL draft and potential junior college recruits, could also provide opportunities to bolster key positions. Below are some potential targets for Tennessee in the offseason, categorized by position of need.

1. Offensive Line: A Veteran Presence

Tennessee’s offensive line has shown flashes of dominance, but its inconsistency at times has been a major limiting factor. Strengthening the offensive line should be a top priority for Tennessee as they look to provide better protection for Joe Milton and open up holes for the running game.

Target: Offensive Linemen via the Transfer Portal

There are likely to be several experienced offensive linemen in the transfer portal following the conclusion of the 2023 season. Players with multiple years of starting experience in Power 5 conferences could come in and offer immediate help.

Some potential candidates might include linemen from programs that didn’t perform well but have the talent and size to contribute at a high level. Players from schools like Miami, Arizona State, or Purdue, who have shown flashes of greatness but may have had struggles, could be valuable additions.

Another target could be Jarrett Patterson, an experienced offensive guard or center from Notre Dame, if he enters the portal. Patterson, a former All-American caliber player, could provide a veteran presence and leadership to Tennessee’s front five.

 

2. Defensive Line: Pass Rushers and Interior Force

Tennessee’s defense has seen significant improvement over the past few years, but a lack of consistent pass rushers and depth on the defensive line is still an area of concern. The Vols would benefit greatly from adding a disruptive edge rusher and an interior defensive lineman capable of stopping the run.

Target: Pass Rusher from the Transfer Portal

One name to keep an eye on is Jared Verse from Florida State. Verse, an explosive edge rusher, has been one of the top pass rushers in the nation and could bring an immediate impact to Tennessee’s defense.

Another name that could make sense is B.J. Ojulari, a player from LSU who has proven to be one of the SEC’s top pass rushers. His quickness and ability to sack the quarterback would provide Tennessee with the dynamic edge presence they’re missing.

Target: Defensive Tackle from the Transfer Portal

A powerful presence on the interior defensive line could be found in a player like Tyler Davis from Clemson. Davis is known for his ability to disrupt the line of scrimmage and would be an excellent addition to Tennessee’s front.

Alternatively, Jalen Carter from Georgia could be a target, though he is expected to enter the NFL draft. If Carter decides to stay for one more season, Tennessee should certainly make a push to recruit the elite defensive tackle.

 

3. Wide Receiver: A Deep Threat to Complement the Offense

Although Tennessee has talent at the wide receiver position, they could still use another elite option to complement Milton’s deep passing abilities. A big-play receiver who can stretch the field would enhance Tennessee’s vertical passing game and force opposing defenses to cover more ground.

Target: Wide Receiver from the Transfer Portal

Troy Franklin, a wide receiver from Oregon, is a name that could surface as a potential target. With excellent speed and ball-tracking ability, Franklin would be a perfect complement to Tennessee’s high-flying offense.

Another option could be Jacob Cowing from Arizona, who has proven himself to be an excellent route runner and dynamic playmaker. He has the ability to create separation and could be a game-changer for the Vols.

 

4. Linebacker: Enhancing Depth and Versatility

While Tennessee has a solid linebacker group, adding depth or even a versatile linebacker with high football IQ could help bolster the defense. The Vols need a linebacker who can play in coverage but also fill the box as a run-stopper.

Target: Linebacker from the Transfer Portal

Ventrell Miller from Florida is a physical linebacker with great tackling ability. His ability to play sideline-to-sideline would add depth and versatility to the linebacker room.

Another target could be Isaiah Land from Florida A&M, who is a proven pass rusher and could help Tennessee’s defensive front get more pressure on quarterbacks.

 

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Conclusion: Looking Ahead

As the Tennessee Volunteers look to solidify their position as one of the elite teams in college football, offseason acquisitions will play a major role in determining their success in the years to come. Whether through the transfer portal, the NFL draft, or by pursuing emerging talent from smaller schools, Tennessee is poised to improve and strengthen key areas that will make them a formidable force in the SEC.

By targeting offensive line veterans, dynamic pass rushers, wide receivers with elite speed, and versatile linebackers, Tennessee has a blueprint for success in the offseason. These additions could be the difference-makers that elevate the Vols from a solid contender to a championship-caliber program. With Josh Heupel’s system in place and the program’s growing momentum, the 2024 offseason will be crucial for Tennessee’s chances of continuing their rise in the college football hierarchy.