Trio of Tennessee Vols players listed among the top 100 players in the 2025 NFL Draft

A trio of Tennessee Vols players were included in The Athletic's top 100 players in the 2025 NFL Draft. 

Longtime NFL draft expert Dane Brugler has edge rusher James Pearce, defensive lineman Omarr Norman-Lott, and running back Dylan Sampson in his top 100. 

No. 21 -- James Pearce

No. 78 -- Omarr Norman-Lott

No. 80 -- Dylan Sampson

Brugler pointed out the concerns he has for each player ahead of the draft. 

When it comes to Pearce, Brugler noted that the Charlotte native will be "valued at the next level" while acknowledging concerns about his ability to stop the run. 

"There are some question marks about his ability in the run game, but he chases with terrific effort to make stops near the sidelines," wrote Brugler. 

With Norman-Lott, the concerns are about how many snaps he can handle after playing just 17 snaps per game at Tennessee in 2024. 

"With his movement and strength traits, he creates disruption versus both run and pass," noted Brugler. "Can he sustain that level of impact if he's asked to handle double the number of snaps?"

It's worth pointing out that Norman-Lott was in a heavy defensive line rotation at Tennessee. He was also questionably absent during the first half of a couple of games, perhaps as a disciplinary measure from the coaching staff, though no suspensions were ever reported. 

As for Sampson, Brugler suggested that the running back can get a bit "chaotic" at times. 

"Although it is chaotic at times when he plays in overdrive, he runs with urgent speed getting through the first wave and opens up the field with his sharp lateral cuts," wrote Brugler. 

All three of those players should be selected in the top half of the 2025 NFL Draft.