NFC executive says former Tennessee standout could eventually be the top player in the NFL at his position

An NFC executive told ESPN this week that a former Tennessee Vols standout could eventually be the best player in the NFL at his position.

ESPN recently spoke with various executives, coaches, and scouts in an effort to rank the top 10 interior offensive linemen in the NFL.

Former Vols offensive lineman Trey Smith, who is entering his fourth season in the NFL with the Kansas City Chiefs, came in at No. 9 in ESPN's rankings .

One NFC exec, however, said that Smith might be No. 1 for him in the future.

From ESPN: Smith sometimes gets overshadowed by Humphrey and Thuney, but he adds a unique dimension to the Chiefs offense.

"Powerful and violent at the point of attack," one exec said. "Can really dominate in the run game. More of a gap-scheme specialist so it's pick your flavor with him. But I could see why people who are high on him are really high."

Added an NFC executive: "He might be No. 1 for me eventually."

Smith's 96.6% pass block win rate ranked third among guards under consideration.

A great draft success story, Smith fell to the seventh round in 2021 due to a heart condition detected while at Tennessee. He's overcome that to become a major contributor.

Smith was a sixth round pick by the Chiefs in the 2021 NFL Draft despite having first-round talent. The former Vol, who is from Jackson, TN, fell in the draft due to concerns over blood clots in his lungs that he dealt with while at Tennessee. Smith missed five game as a sophomore while dealing with the clots, but he was healthy as a junior and a senior, starting the final 23 games of his career at UT.

The former Tennessee star will be an unrestricted free agent after the 2024 season and it certainly sounds like he's poised to earn a big contract.

Related: Former Vols QB details wild season that includes Peyton Manning, Morgan Wallen, and running from autograph seekers with Hendon Hooker