10 potential Chargers targets to watch during Senior Bowl week: Offense

Highlighting a handful of offensive players at the Senior Bowl who could be on the Chargers’ radar.

The last major all-star game of the circuit, Mobile’s Senior Bowl, has become a football pilgrimage for many players and media members alike.

Chargers quarterbacks Justin Herbert is a Senior Bowl alum, as is 2022 first-round pick Zion Johnson. Los Angeles has historically used the event as a guideline, drafting at least four participants in Mobile in each of the last three seasons.

Here are ten offensive prospects who could join the club with a strong week in Alabama.

2023 NFL mock draft ahead of Senior Bowl

2023 NFL mock draft ahead of the Senior Bowl: A look at projections for former Vols

The Reese’s Senior Bowl will take place Feb. 4 at Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile, Alabama.

Kickoff is slated for 2:30 p.m. EST and the contest will be televised by NFL Network.

A look at Tennessee’s Senior Bowl invitees since 2000

The 2023 NFL draft will take place April 27-29 in the plaza outside of Union Station in Kansas City, Missouri.

Ahead of the Reese’s Senior Bowl, Draft Wire released its latest first- and second-round 2023 NFL mock draft selections. Its selections include former Vols Hendon Hooker (quarterback), Jalin Hyatt (wide receiver), Cedric Tillman (wide receiver) and Darnell Wright (offensive lineman).

Below are the latest Draft Wire 2023 NFL mock draft projections for Hooker, Hyatt, Tillman and Wright.

2023 Senior Bowl Preview: Offensive Tackles

We continue our preview of the 2023 Senior Bowl with the offensive tackles

One of the most important events on the National Football League calendar is the Senior Bowl. Held the week after the conference championship games, it is the true beginning of the NFL draft cycle.

Not only do scouts and analysts like us get to see over 100 draft prospects in one place competing against each other, but it’s also an opportunity for analysts and personnel alike to get together and have discussions about a number of topics.

As we look forward to this year’s Senior Bowl, both managing editor Tyler Forness and columnist Matt Anderson will be there in person to break everything down.

We will be breaking down each position group and what to look for throughout the week. Here is the wide receiver position.

Previous:

Quarterbacks
Running backs
Wide receivers
Tight ends

2023 NFL mock draft ahead of NFL playoffs divisional round

2023 NFL mock draft ahead of the NFL playoffs divisional round: Four Vols are projected in rounds 1-2

The 2023 NFL draft will take place April 27-29 in the plaza outside of Union Station in Kansas City, Missouri.

Ahead of the NFL divisional playoffs, Draft Wire released its latest first- and second-round 2023 NFL mock draft selections.

Tennessee wide receiver Jalin Hyatt, quarterback Hendon Hooker, wide receiver Cedric Tillman and offensive lineman Darnell Wright are listed in the latest two-round mock draft ahead of the NFL divisional playoffs.

In 11 games during the 2022 campaign, Hooker completed 229-of-329 passing attempts for 3,135 yards, 27 touchdowns and two interceptions. Hooker recorded 430 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 104 attempts.

Hyatt was the winner for the 2022 Biletnikoff Award. He is Tennessee’s first Biletnikoff Award winner. Hyatt set a school record for receiving touchdowns (15) and totaled 1,267 receiving yards in 2022.

In 2021, Tillman produced the first 1,000-yard receiving season for Tennessee since 2012.

Wright appeared in 47 games from 2019-22 at Tennessee.

Below are the latest Draft Wire 2023 NFL mock draft projections for Hyatt, Hooker, Tillman and Wright.

2023 NFL mock draft ahead of Week 18

2023 NFL mock draft ahead of Week 18: Projections for Hendon Hooker, Jalin Hyatt and Darnell Wright

The 2023 NFL draft will take place April 27-29 in the plaza outside of Union Station in Kansas City, Missouri.

Ahead of Week 18 during the 2022 NFL season, Draft Wire released its latest first and second round 2023 NFL mock draft selections.

Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker, wide receiver Jalin Hyatt and offensive lineman Darnell Wright are listed in the latest two-round mock draft ahead of Week 18.

In 11 games during the 2022 campaign, Hooker completed 229-of-329 passing attempts for 3,135 yards, 27 touchdowns and two interceptions. Hooker recorded 430 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 104 attempts.

Hyatt was named the winner for the 2022 Biletnikoff Award. He is Tennessee’s first Biletnikoff Award winner.

Hyatt set a school record for receiving touchdowns (15) and totaled 1,267 receiving yards in 2022.

Wright appeared in 47 games from 2019-22 at Tennessee.

Below is the latest Draft Wire 2023 NFL mock draft that includes Hooker, Hyatt and Wright.

Darnell Wright announces 2023 NFL draft decision

Tennessee offensive lineman Darnell Wright announces 2023 NFL draft decision.

Tennessee senior offensive lineman Darnell Wright announced his NFL draft decision Thursday.

The 6-foot-6, 335-pound Wright will enter the 2023 NFL draft. He will play in the Vols’ bowl game.

“Can’t thank Vol football enough,” Wright announced. “To all my teammates that helped me get to this point, can’t thank y’all enough, and to the fans that believed in us along the way I’m happy to say I left it better than I found it.”

No. 6 Tennessee (10-2, 6-2 SEC) will play No. 7 Clemson (11-2, 8-0 ACC) in the Capital One Orange Bowl on Dec. 30.

Kickoff between the Vols and Tigers is slated for 8 p.m. EST (ESPN) at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.

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Darnell Wright named First-Team All-SEC

Tennessee offensive lineman Darnell Wright named First-Team All-SEC.

Tennessee senior offensive lineman Darnell Wright has been named First-Team All-Southeastern Conference by the Associated Press.

Wright was a two-time Southeastern Conference Lineman of the Week during the 2022 campaign. The Vols finished 10-2 (6-2 SEC) during the 2022 regular-season.

Wright played a team-high 829 snaps and is a 2023 NFL draft prospect.

He is one of 14 Power Five linemen to play more than 825 snaps without giving up a sack (Pro Football Focus).

Tennessee (10-2, 6-2 SEC) will play Clemson (11-2, 8-0 ACC) in the Capital One Orange Bowl on Dec. 30.

Kickoff between the Vols and Tigers is slated for 8 p.m. EST (ESPN) at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.

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2023 NFL mock draft: Hendon Hooker to Saints, Jalin Hyatt to Giants, Darnell Wright to Colts

2023 NFL mock draft: Hendon Hooker projected to New Orleans, Jalin Hyatt to the Giants and Darnell Wright to Indianapolis

No. 5 Tennessee (8-1, 4-1 SEC) will host Missouri (4-5, 2-4 SEC) Saturday in Week 11.

Kickoff between the Vols and Tigers is slated for noon EST (CBS).

Redshirt senior quarterback Hendon Hooker will look to continue his Heisman Trophy campaign against the Tigers.

Hooker has recorded 2,533 passing yards, 21 passing touchdowns, two interceptions, 355 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns this season through nine games.

A look at where Hendon Hooker is ranked in the Week 11 College Wire Heisman Trophy poll

Draft Wire released its latest 2023 NFL mock draft selections using the updated pick order after Week 9 NFL results.

Three Vols are projected to be selected in the first two rounds of the 2023 NFL draft: Hooker, Jalin Hyatt and Darnell Wright.

Below is the latest Draft Wire first and second round 2023 NFL mock draft that includes Hooker, Hyatt and Wright.

Josh Heupel discusses Vols’ plan for right tackle position

Josh Heupel discusses Tennessee’s plan for the right tackle position.

Tennessee scrimmaged for the second time during fall training camp Sunday at Neyland Stadium ahead of the 2022 season.

Following the Vols’ second scrimmage during fall training camp, head coach Josh Heupel met with media.

Heupel was asked about Tennessee’s plan for its right tackle position.

“We plan to keep Darnell (Wright) at the right side,” Heupel said.

Following Tennessee’s fourth practice during fall training camp, second-year offensive line coach Glen Elarbee discussed the 6-foot-6, 335-pound Wright.

“I think Darnell’s just growing each day, just so proud of him,” Elarbee said. “The way he practiced yesterday was just unbelievably physical, the questions that he asked in the meeting room, the attention, you can just see him trying to be different in the way that he focuses, and even things he’s trying to work technique wise.

“He wants extra drill work, he wants extra reps, he wants to work. I think that’s something. I’m not sure, he probably did a little last year, but it’s so pronounced this year. He’s just such an improved player, and I’m just excited for him. I hope he keeps it up and just has a phenomenal year.”

Wright has appeared in 34 games for the Vols from 2019-21.

The senior has started in 29 contests, 14 at right tackle, two at right guard and 13 at left tackle. He has played 1,851 snaps at Tennessee.

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Fall camp: Darnell Wright ‘an improved player’ ahead of 2022 season

Fall camp: Tennessee offensive lineman Darnell Wright ‘an improved player’ ahead of 2022 season

Tennessee practiced for the fourth time during fall training camp Thursday.

Following practice, second-year offensive line coach Glen Elarbee met with media. He discussed senior offensive lineman Darnell Wright ahead of the 2022 season.

“I think Darnell’s just growing each day, just so proud of him,” Elarbee said. “The way he practiced yesterday was just unbelievably physical, the questions that he asked in the meeting room, the attention, you can just see him trying to be different in the way that he focuses, and even things he’s trying to work technique wise.

“He wants extra drill work, he wants extra reps, he wants to work. I think that’s something. I’m not sure, he probably did a little last year, but it’s so pronounced this year. He’s just such an improved player, and I’m just excited for him. I hope he keeps it up and just has a phenomenal year.”

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