Vols Takeover: McCoy & Ex-Tennessee Stars Storm NFL Preseason
Former Tennessee Volunteers to Watch in NFL Preseason Week 2
The NFL preseason is rolling into Week 2, and several former University of Tennessee football stars are suiting up to prove they belong on an NFL roster. Whether they’re rookies getting their first real action or veterans fighting for a spot, here’s your simple guide to who to watch and when to tune in.
This Week’s Games Featuring Former Vols
| Game | Time (ET) | Channel |
|---|---|---|
| Las Vegas Raiders at Houston Texans | 8:00 PM | ESPN |
| San Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles Chargers | 10:00 PM | NFL Network |
Las Vegas Raiders at Houston Texans (8 PM ET – ESPN)
Las Vegas Raiders
Two former Volunteers are on the Raiders’ roster this week:
-
CB Jermod McCoy (Rookie)
- Missed time with a knee injury but returned for the first preseason game
- Played 30 snaps (that’s 30 defensive plays)
- Received a low PFF grade of 39.1 (Pro Football Focus grades players on a 0–100 scale; higher is better)
- Goal this week: Bounce back and show he can cover receivers at the NFL level
- WR Dont’e Thornton Jr. (2nd Year)
- Drafted by the Raiders in 2023
- Fighting for a spot in the wide receiver rotation (the group of WRs who actually play in games)
- A strong preseason could lock in his role for the regular season
Houston Texans
- DL Dominic Bailey (Rookie, Undrafted Free Agent)
- Played defensive end at Tennessee but also moved inside to defensive tackle
- The Texans have been using him mostly at defensive tackle (the interior spot)
- As an undrafted player, every snap is a chance to make the final 53-man roster
Important Point: Undrafted Free Agents (UDFAs) don’t get picked in the NFL Draft. They sign contracts afterward and have to fight harder just to make the team. A good preseason is their best shot.
San Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles Chargers (10 PM ET – NFL Network)
San Francisco 49ers
- DT Bryson Eason (Rookie, Undrafted Free Agent)
- One of the most sought-after UDFAs this year (multiple teams wanted him)
- Plays defensive tackle — the big guy in the middle who stops the run and pushes the pocket
- Has a real chance to make the 53-man roster if he plays well in these preseason games
Los Angeles Chargers
- No former Tennessee players currently listed on the Chargers’ preseason roster for this game.
ELI5: What Is the Preseason Anyway?
Think of the NFL preseason like practice games before the real season starts.
- Teams play 3 games (used to be 4)
- Starters (best players) barely play — they don’t want to get hurt
- Rookies and bubble players get lots of snaps — this is their audition
- Coaches use it to decide the final 53-man roster
- Stats don’t count for official records, but film (game tape) matters a lot
Key Takeaway: For guys like McCoy, Bailey, Eason, and Thornton, these games ARE their season. One great play can change their career.
Quick Reference: All Former Vols in Action This Week
| Player | Team | Position | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jermod McCoy | Raiders | CB | Rookie | Returning from injury |
| Dont’e Thornton Jr. | Raiders | WR | 2nd Year | Fighting for rotation spot |
| Dominic Bailey | Texans | DL/DT | Rookie (UDFA) | Making position switch |
| Bryson Eason | 49ers | DT | Rookie (UDFA) | High-upside roster bubble |
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
1. What does "UDFA" mean?
Undrafted Free Agent. These players weren’t selected in the NFL Draft. After the draft ends, teams can sign them to contracts. They start at the bottom of the depth chart and have to outplay drafted guys to make the team.
2. What is a "PFF grade"?
Pro Football Focus (PFF) watches every play and grades each player from 0–100.
- 90+ = Elite
- 70–89 = Good starter
- 60–69 = Average/backup
- Below 60 = Struggling
McCoy’s 39.1 means he had a rough game — but it’s just one preseason game.
3. Why do positions like "defensive end" and "defensive tackle" matter?
- Defensive End (DE): Lines up on the outside. Job: rush the quarterback, set the edge on runs.
- Defensive Tackle (DT): Lines up in the middle. Job: clog running lanes, push the pocket inward.
Bailey played both at Tennessee; the Texans want him inside at DT.
4. Do preseason games count for anything?
No for standings, yes for jobs. The wins/losses don’t matter. But coaches watch every snap to decide who makes the final roster. For rookies and bubble players, this is the most important month of their year.
5. Where can I watch?
- Raiders @ Texans: ESPN (8 PM ET)
- 49ers @ Chargers: NFL Network (10 PM ET)
Check your local listings or streaming apps (YouTube TV, Hulu Live, Fubo, etc.)
Summary
- Week 2 of NFL preseason features four former Tennessee Volunteers across two Thursday night games.
- Jermod McCoy (Raiders CB) is the biggest name — he’s back from a knee injury and needs a bounce-back game after a low PFF grade.
- Dont’e Thornton Jr. (Raiders WR) is in Year 2, fighting for playing time.
- Dominic Bailey (Texans DL) and Bryson Eason (49ers DT) are undrafted rookies — every snap is a job interview.
- Games air on ESPN (8 PM) and NFL Network (10 PM).
- Preseason doesn’t count in the standings, but it counts for roster spots.
Keep an eye on these former Vols — the next Tennessee star in the NFL might be making his name this Thursday night.