Utes Expected to Dominate NFL Draft
The time is here for what is expected to be the most-watched NFL Draft ever—thanks pandemic. After over a month of no sports, athletes, coaches, and fans finally have something to look forward to.
The 2020 NFL Draft is unique in numerous ways, as the big one is that all picks and interviews will be done virtually—both Zack Moss and Jaylon Johnson have been shipped equipment to record their draft moments and be interviewed. It’s also a draft that is being done without NFL teams being able to attend college Pro Days—something that not only makes the job tougher for scouting, but also hurts the prospects of fringe players. Two prospects like that that come to mind for the University of Utah are cornerbacks Josh Nurse and Tareke Lewis.
Despite the recent limitations, it’s anticipated that between 8-10 Utes will be taken in the draft. Here’s a list of those players to follow:
Jaylon Johnson
Ute Nation Projection: Late first to mid second round
The lockdown corner was everything he was billed to be with the Utes and now—with nothing left to really prove—he’s forced his way into the conversation as a first day selection. The 2019 All-American and two-time First-Team All Pac-12 selection will be a dream for any NFL defensive backs coach to work with and a nightmare for opposing offenses. The instant-impact talent out of Fresno, California should have a long and notable NFL career.
Zack Moss
Ute Nation Projection: Late second to third round
The 2019 All-American and Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year broke six school records and is viewed by NFL teams as a plug-and-play back. After tweaking his hamstring at the NFL Combine, but fighting through it, he ran a 4.5 40 at his Pro Day, to ease any speed concerns. The bruising back is high on the radar for at least two contenders that have an immediate need at the position. Regardless of where he’s picked, he has the talent to be a lead back at one point in 2020 and if he ends up in the right situation, he could find himself in contention for Rookie of the Year. He’s a first round talent, but running backs aren’t always viewed as first round needs.
Terrell Burgess
Ute Nation Projection: Late third to fourth round
One of the national surprises of the entire 2019 college football season, Burgess was the ultimate teammate, as he bided his time as a backup in the secondary for three seasons. The Utes ended up having a dire need as strong safety and Burgess, who is also being looked at by the NFL as a nickel back, gave the team more than they could have asked for. A student of the game, he takes all of the right angles and he improved his athleticism tremendously during his time as a Ute. Ever since a strong Senior Bowl week and an impressive NFL Combine, he’s seen his name shoot up the draft charts.
Bradlee Anae
Ute Nation Projection: Late third to mid fourth
The newly crowned Mayor of Sack Lake City was a consensus 2019 All-American and the Pac-12’s Morris Trophy winner for the defensive side of the ball. Like Burgess, he had a monster week at the Senior Bowl and also wreaked havoc during the game. Unlike Johnson and Burgess, his performance at the NFL Combine has likely hurt his stock with a slower 40 time of 4.93 (at 6-foot-3 and 257 pounds) and bench press numbers that weren’t too strong. However, one fact is undeniable, Anae is a gamer and a nightmare for quarterbacks.
Leki Fotu
Ute Nation Projection: Late third to late fourth round
The 2019 All-American and two-time First-Team All Pac-12 selection is a monster in the middle with freakish athleticism. Like Anae, his NFL Combine likely hurt his stock a bit with a 5.15 40 and 21 reps on the bench. To put that into perspective, Utah defensive backs Burgess and Javelin Guidry put up 21 and 20, respectively. Also like Anae, however, Fotu has football speed to go along a 6-foot-5 and 330 pound frame that coaches salivate over. Fotu had a late start to the game, only playing high school football as a senior. Add in the fact that he never redshirted at Utah, and there’s a ton of untapped potential.
Julian Blackmon
Ute Nation Projection: Late fourth to mid fifth
After getting thrown into the fire as a true freshman where he was an easy target for opposing quarterbacks, Blackmon did a 180 and became one of the most dominant defensive backs in not just the Pac-12, but all of college football. With a dire need at safety and plenty of capable corners in the program, defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley took a chance and moved the All Pac-12 defensive back to safety where his athleticism and field awareness really blossomed. The 2019 All-American and three-time All Pac-12 selection was unable to perform at the NFL Combine due to suffering a non-contact injury during the Pac-12 Championship Game. Had that not happened, he’d likely be ticketed much higher in the draft.
Tyler Huntley
Ute Nation Projection: Fifth to six round
One the snubs of the NFL Combine, Huntley is an efficient passer and a dual-threat that keeps defenders on their toes. A First-Team All Pac-12 selection in 2019, an argument can be made that he was the conference’s offensive player of the year, but it was an honor difficult to deny from Moss. To get an idea of how big of a NFL Combine snub Huntley was, he would have been the leader in each of the following drills: 40-yard dash, 3-cone still, 20-yard shuffle, broad jump, and the vertical jump. Add to the fact that he was one of the most efficient passers in the NCAA and whoever takes him could have a hidden gem. There are some durability questions, but Huntley has shown that it takes a lot to put him on the bench.
Javelin Guidry
Ute Nation Projection: Sixth round
An elite defender at nickelback, it may have been a surprise to many that Guidry declared early for the NFL Draft, but it wasn’t a surprise to the Utah program. Due to his freakish speed and his intriguing highlights, he was invited to the NFL Combine where he was expected to be a “workout wonder.” Guidry didn’t disappoint, as he ran the second fastest 40 at the Combine, a 4.29, which was one of the fastest times for a defensive back in the last twenty years. He also put up a shocking 21 reps on the bench press. The speedster will get drafted, but he could have likely made more money by staying and finishing his senior season.
Francis Bernard
Ute Nation Projection: Late sixth to UDFA
In his two years at Utah, the former high school running back became known for making big plays and seemed to have a nose for the ball. The 6-foot 234 pound backer was invited to the NFL Combine, but lackluster numbers in the 40, at 4.81 and the bench, with 19 reps, didn’t help his cause. Where he goes in the draft will depend on teams and their in-season scouting, as Bernard just constantly made plays.
John Penisini
Ute Nation Projection: Late sixth to UDFA
A two-time All Pac-12 selection, Penisini was often overshadowed by Fotu, although he was every bit a menace. At the very least, he’ll be viewed as a lane-clogger at the next level. Wherever he goes in the NFL Draft will depend on when teams with defensive tackle needs start taking program track records into account. However, whoever gets Penisini could have a very nice late round find.