With Week 16 of the NFL season wrapped up, several former Tennessee Volunteers made their presence felt across the league. From end zone visits to key defensive stops, the Vols' NFL alumni continue to show that Rocky Top produces pros ready to contribute at every level. Let’s break down how each former Tennessee standout performed this past week.
Derek Barnett - DE, Texans
Game: vs.
Raiders, 23-21 W
NFL Year: 9
Barnett made the most of his snaps, registering a sack and applying pressure that helped swing momentum in Houston’s favor. His lone tackle was a drive-stalling sack, and he added a tackle for loss and a quarterback hit. The veteran edge rusher is proving he still has gas in the tank as the Texans push toward the postseason.
Matthew Butler - DT, Dolphins
Game: vs.
Bengals, 45-21 L
NFL Year: 4
Butler was inactive in Miami’s blowout loss. The Dolphins’ defensive front struggled to contain the Bengals’ ground game and could’ve used some depth help.
Morgan Cox - LS, Titans
Game: vs.
Chiefs, 26-9 W
NFL Year: 16
The longtime long snapper continues to be a steady hand for Tennessee’s special teams unit. In a game where field position mattered, Cox’s consistency helped the Titans control the tempo.
Josh Dobbs - QB, Patriots
Game: at Ravens, 28-24 W (SNF)
NFL Year: 9
Dobbs did not see the field in New England’s Sunday night win, but his veteran presence remains valuable in the quarterback room.
Kamal Hadden - CB, Packers
Game: at Bears, 22-16 (OT) L
NFL Year: 2
Hadden was inactive in Green Bay’s overtime loss. The Packers secondary could’ve used reinforcements as they struggled to get off the field late.
Jalin Hyatt - WR, Giants
Game: vs.
Vikings, 16-13 L
NFL Year: 3
Hyatt was inactive this week. The Giants’ offense lacked explosive plays, something Hyatt has the speed to provide when healthy.
Theo Jackson - S, Vikings
Game: at Giants, 16-13 W
NFL Year: 4
Jackson logged 21 snaps, contributing in a rotational role as Minnesota’s defense clamped down in a tight win. He continues to be a reliable depth piece in the secondary.
Jauan Jennings - WR, 49ers
Game: at Colts, 48-27 W (MNF)
NFL Year: 5
Jennings had one of the most productive weeks among former Vols, hauling in five catches for 71 yards and a touchdown. His physical style and clutch hands were on full display in a high-scoring Monday night win. Jennings continues to carve out a valuable role in San Francisco’s deep receiving corps.
Velus Jones Jr. - RB/WR, Seahawks
Game: vs.
Rams, 38-37 (OT) W
NFL Year: 4
Jones did not play in Seattle’s thrilling overtime win. His return ability remains a potential X-factor when active.
Alvin Kamara - RB, Saints
Game: vs.
Jets, 29-6 W
NFL Year: 9
Kamara was sidelined with an injury, but the Saints didn’t miss a beat, rolling past the Jets. Still, his dynamic presence will be key down the stretch.
Cade Mays - IOL, Panthers
Game: vs.
Buccaneers, 23-20 W
NFL Year: 4
Mays got the start at center and helped anchor a line that paved the way for a balanced offensive attack. His versatility across the interior is proving valuable for Carolina.
Jaylen McCollough - S, Rams
Game: at Seahawks, 38-37 (OT) L
NFL Year: 2
McCollough contributed two tackles in a back-and-forth battle. His role continues to grow in a Rams secondary that’s been tested all season.
Joe Milton III - QB, Cowboys
Game: vs.
Chargers, 34-17 L
NFL Year: 2
Milton saw limited action, completing both of his passes for 11 yards and adding a 7-yard scramble. He also lost a fumble, a reminder of the learning curve young QBs face in the league. Still, the tools are there.
Omarr Norman-Lott - DT, Chiefs
Game: at Titans, 26-9 L
NFL Year: 1
Norman-Lott remains sidelined with a season-ending injury.
Josh Palmer - WR, Bills
Game: at Browns, 23-20 W
NFL Year: 5
Palmer had a quiet day with just one catch for two yards, but continues to be a reliable option in Buffalo’s passing game.
James Pearce Jr. - OLB, Falcons
Game: at Cardinals, 26-19 W
NFL Year: 1
Pearce made an impact with two tackles, half a sack, two pass deflections, and a quarterback hit. That’s an impressive stat line for a rookie, and a sign of his versatility as both a pass rusher and in coverage.
Dylan Sampson - RB, Browns
Game: vs.
Bills, 23-20 L
NFL Year: 1
Sampson was inactive due to injury.
Elijah Simmons - DT, Buccaneers
Game: at Panthers, 23-20 L
NFL Year: 1
Simmons was inactive for Tampa Bay.
Trey Smith - OG, Chiefs
Game: at Titans, 26-9 L
NFL Year: 5
Smith started at right guard, continuing his run as one of the Chiefs’ most dependable linemen. His physicality in the trenches remains a cornerstone of Kansas City’s offensive identity.
Alontae Taylor - CB, Saints
Game: vs.
Jets, 29-6 W
NFL Year: 4
Taylor filled up the stat sheet with seven tackles (five solo), a sack, a tackle for loss, and a quarterback hit. He’s emerging as a do-it-all defender in New Orleans’ secondary.
Darrell Taylor - OLB, Texans
Game: vs.
Raiders, 23-21 W
NFL Year: 5
Taylor was inactive due to injury.
Dont’e Thornton Jr. - WR, Raiders
Game: at Texans, 23-21 L
NFL Year: 1
Thornton saw limited action, logging four snaps in the Raiders’ narrow loss.
Cedric Tillman - WR, Browns
Game: vs.
Bills, 23-20 L
NFL Year: 3
Tillman had one catch for eight yards in a tight loss. While the stat line was modest, he’s shown flashes of being a dependable possession receiver.
Darnell Wright - OT, Bears
Game: vs.
Packers, 22-16 (OT) W
NFL Year: 3
Wright started at right tackle and played a key role in a gritty overtime win. His development continues to be a bright spot on a rebuilding Bears offensive line.
Jaylen Wright - RB, Dolphins
Game: vs.
Bengals, 45-21 L
NFL Year: 2
Wright found the end zone on one of his nine carries, finishing with 35 rushing yards and adding an 18-yard reception. Even in a blowout loss, he showed burst and vision that could earn him more touches moving forward.
Byron Young - OLB, Rams
Game: at Seahawks, 38-37 (OT) L
NFL Year: 3
Young continues to be a disruptive force off the edge. He tallied four tackles, two solo, and added a quarterback hit. His motor and physicality were on display in a game that went down to the wire.
From seasoned vets like Morgan Cox and Alvin Kamara to emerging playmakers like Jaylen Wright and James Pearce Jr., Tennessee’s NFL pipeline is alive and well. As the regular season winds down, expect more of these former Vols to step into the spotlight when it matters most.