Tennessee football could have a star defensive lineman in the NFL out of this draft class, and it’s not even necessarily first-round pick James Pearce Jr.

While Pearce is projected to make a quick and significant impact, Omarr Norman-Lott is also getting attention as a potential critical piece for his new team.

ESPN released a ranking of 10 offensive and defensive rookies not selected in the first round that could ‘make the greatest immediate impact as rookies’ or ‘star this NFL season.’

This included Norman-Lott.

TALK ABOUT IT IN THE ROCKY TOP FORUM

Norman-Lott clocked in at No. 7 on the list of defenders. He was selected by the Chiefs with the No. 63 pick in the draft during the second round.

“Adding another defensive tackle was a priority for the Chiefs early in this draft, considering they lost Tershawn Wharton in free agency,” ESPN’s Field Yates wrote. “Having another big body on the defensive line can make life easier for Chris Jones. Norman-Lott is a standout pass rusher from inside, showing disruptive up-field rush skills that helped him to 9.5 sacks over the past two seasons. Playing next to Jones should create plenty of one-on-one rush reps for him.”

Receiving an honorable mention nod was another former Tennessee defensive lineman. Drafted by the Dolphins, Jordan Phillips was mentioned. However, he finished his career at Maryland.

Norman-Lott is coming off his second season with Tennessee. In his final year, he played in all 13 games. He recorded 18 tackles, four tackles for loss, four sacks and three quarterback hurries during the season.

In his first year in Knoxville as a junior, Norman-Lott played in 10 games. During that time, he earned 26 tackles, six tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks and a fumble recovery.

Prior to joining the Vols, Norman-Lott played his first pair of seasons at Arizona State.

As a sophomore with the Sun Devils, Norman-Lott played in nine games and started a pair. He posted 14 tackles, three tackles for loss and two sacks.

As a true freshman with Arizona State, Norman-Lott played in 11 games and recorded 30 tackles, four tackles for loss and two sacks.

Norman-Lott is from Sacramento, California, where he played at Grant.

As a member of the 2020 class, he was a four-star prospect who chose Arizona State. He ranked as the No. 30 player in the state and No. 28 defensive tackle in the class.