Pair of former Tennessee Vols players named as the biggest surprises of the NFL offseason

A pair of former Tennessee Vols players were recently listed by ESPN among the biggest surprises of the NFL offseason. 

ESPN listed the biggest surprise player this offseason for each NFL team. 

Former Vols defensive lineman Byron Young was listed as the biggest surprise player for the Los Angeles Rams. 

Young, a third round selection by the Rams in the 2023 NFL Draft, is entering his third season in the NFL. 

From ESPN: The 2023 third-round pick has had two strong seasons, amassing 15.5 sacks in his NFL career. But despite that success, outside linebackers coach Joe Coniglio said he has noticed how "intentional" Young has been going into his third season. Coniglio said he challenged Young to continue to work on his "consistency," because "when he's at his best, it's a lot of fun to watch."

"I think he's going to take another step forward in regards to his game, his ability to affect games, his ability to disrupt offenses and be the player that he's capable of being," Coniglio said.

Former Tennessee wide receiver Dont'e Thornton, meanwhile, was listed as the biggest surprise player for the Las Vegas Raiders. 

Thornton, who started his career at Oregon before transferring to Tennessee, was selected by the Raiders in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. 

From ESPN: The fourth-round pick made a strong case to be a Day 1 contributor for Las Vegas. Thornton received a good amount of reps with the first-team offense, as his combination of size (6-5, 205) and speed (4.3 40 at the combine) makes him a threat in the intermediate and deep passing game. At Tennessee, Thornton was known for his big-play ability, leading the nation in yards per catch (25.4) and catches for 50-plus yards (six).

The Raiders didn't make major moves at wide receiver this offseason, meaning Thornton and second-round pick Jack Bech will be asked to step up in a big way in Year 1. Thornton showed he could be ready to answer the call.

Young is already entrenched as a key player in the Rams' defense after totaling 15.5 sacks over his first two seasons in the NFL. 

Thornton, on the other hand, is hoping to earn a key role in the Raiders' offense in his rookie season this fall.