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The 2015 NFL draft offered a busy second day for former Utes: http://bit.ly/1ELJjgV";>Three http://bit.ly/1c6Nv08";>were selected withinhttp://bit.ly/1zmXWa3";> a span of 19 picks.
This year, it probably won't be as much of a thriller for Utah fans in the early rounds: Of all of Utah's prospects, only one — http://bit.ly/1Qz06VO";>running back Devontae Booker — appears to be graded in the second- or third-round range. Of the prospects,http://bit.ly/1ZxPtJS";> there's not many freakish athletes that are so valued in the NFL.
That doesn't mean Utah won't match the four draft picks it got last year, but if it happens, most will probably go late. http://bit.ly/1RkvvR0";>Many of Utah's pro prospects have a good chance to be picked up as free agents.
Coach Kyle Whittingham said while the Utes hope for former players to go in the draft, it's not necessarily the end-all be-all: "Measurables only matter really for the draft. Once you get into camp, it's all about production. Obviously being drafted is a great honor and tells you you're worthy of being a draft choice. Once you're in camp, they're just looking for guys who produce."
Here's a primer on the Utes who could be drafted this weekend, partly based on projections and rankings fromhttp://espn.go.com/nfl/draft2016/insider/story/_/id/15386595/todd-mcshay-top-300-prospects-2016-nfl-draft-headlined-ohio-state-de-joey-bosa";> ESPN and http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000655072/article/2016-sevenround-nfl-mock-draft-round-1";>NFL.com, as well as conversations with prospects and agents. This list is in alphabetical order (and obviously in the draft, there's always surprises, so don't be shocked if picks don't play out as projected):
RB Devontae Booker, 5-foot-11, 219 pounds
Ranked No. 85 overall by ESPN; No. 63 pick (round 2) in NFL.com mock draft
Quick pitch • He was Utah's go-to guy on offense in just about every way (he even threw a TD pass against Oregon). Setting a school record in career rushing average with 120.6 yards per game, Booker showed his skills as a tough-nosed runner who seemed to fall forward for extra yards at the end of every run. His nine fumbles in two years seems to give scouts some pause, but he also showed how soft his hands can be with 80 career receptions. Since Booker started tearing up turf at Rice-Eccles Stadium, a lot of observers have seen NFL potential.
Whittingham says • "He's got such a sizable skill set. He's a fantastic runner, great hands out of the backfield, good blocker. He can do so many things."
Prediction • His production in college should sell a team in taking him in either rounds 2 or 3, although his lingering knee injury has seemingly hurt his stock.
S Tevin Carter, 6-foot-1, 218 pounds
Unranked by ESPN; No. 242 pick (round 7) in NFL.com mock draft
Quick pitch • http://bit.ly/1LjhNuz";>Carter joked that teammates called him "Pops," but the oft-injured safety played only 16 games for the Utes in two seasons. In those games, there were some very bright moments: He made big interceptions against UCLA and Michigan in 2014, and he was the Las Vegas Bowl MVP with a pair of picks. As a former track star, Carter is both big for his position and speedy (4.53 in Pro Day 40-yard dash). He's worked on loosening his hips enough to get even better mobility. He's always been a hard tackler (56 in 2015).
Whittingham says • "He's an interesting guy. He battled some injuries while he was here. He's got the size and speed. If he can stay healthy, he could make an impact for an NFL team."
Prediction • Being older and with a rough injury history, he probably hits free agency, but his tackling ability and strong Pro Day results could get a team to take him in rounds 6 or 7.
DE/LB Jason Fanaika, 6-foot-2, 271 pounds
Ranked No. 165 overall by ESPN; Undrafted in NFL.com mock draft
Quick pitch • Big, strong, and versatile. Fanaika's value in the draft process has been boosted by his Pro Day, when he showed fluidity in linebacker position drills — somewhat unexpected for scouts. He could play either end or outside linebacker at the next level depending on scheme. He's older, but has the strength and tackling ability that many teams look for.
Whittingham says • "He can play DE or OLB pretty well, which he did for us. He's got the ability to rush the passer, or drop off in coverage. Exceptionally strong, one of the strongest guys in our weight room last year."
Prediction • There's a lot of flex to his stock depending on where teams see him fitting in, but his versatility may help him land within rounds 4 through 6.
P Tom Hackett, 5-foot-10, 198 pounds
Unranked by ESPN; Undrafted in NFL.com mock draft
Quick pitch • http://bit.ly/1OWCmxh";>The two-time Ray Guy Award winner still has a lot to prove to NFL eyes, given that he'll have to switch his style up as a pro. But Pro Football Focus' top-rated punter in college last year was No. 2 nationally in distance, and landed 46 percent of his punts inside the 20-yard line. His cool-headedness under pressure gives him an intangible quality that could help him succeed in the NFL.
Whittingham says • "He was obviously exceptional for us. Rugby-style kicks are not a part of the NFL punt game, but I know they'll take a chance on him. He did both styles for us, and he was best I've ever seen at pinning the opponents in the 10 yard line. He just had a special knack for getting those bounces."
Prediction • Punters are rarely drafted, but Hackett may be an exception given his college career if a team thinks he can be an elite traditional punter — rounds 6 or 7 at the highest.
LB Jared Norris, 6-foot-1, 241 pounds
Ranked No. 203 by ESPN; No. 237 pick in NFL.com mock draft
Quick pitch • You could argue that no one was more solid and sound as a player on Utah's defense the last two seasons. Norris doesn't have top-flight measurables, but his ability to play within scheme, his instincts and his background as a team captain give him an extra edge among other linebackers. He does a lot of things well, and he's adequately strong and fast enough to get a shot in the league.
Whittingham says • "He's a guy that the scouts love his production. He's not going to run the fastest 40, and he's not the strongest guy, but he's got great work ethic, great instincts and he's very productive."
Prediction • His production combined with his character makes him a dark horse draft pick, possibly in the 6th or 7th rounds.
Other Utes who are most likely in the mix as free agents:
C Siaosi Aiono • Three-year starter was a solid vet for the Utes and looks for a shot in camp.
DT Viliseni Fauonuku • Being short won't help his case for the next level, but he was one of the Pac-12's best run-pluggers.
LB Gionni Paul • Field drills and measurables hurt him, but some team probably will take a gamble that his instincts could translate to the NFL.
RB/WR Bubba Poole • A tweener between positions at Utah, Poole never quite found his niche at Utah but has some athletic promise.
WR Kenneth Scott • A big target with sure hands, Scott could find a shot thanks to his ability to contest for catches.
QB/WR Kendal Thompson • Undersized for a quarterback, Thompson hopes his speed and elusiveness translates to receiver.
LB Jason Whittingham • He measured as well as any linebacker at Pro Day, despite spending much of his senior year behind Paul and Norris.
QB Travis Wilson • Four-year starter tweaked his throwing motion for scouts, and he's willing to switch positions if necessary.
kgoon@sltrib.com
Twitter: @kylegoon