University of Utah senior wide receiver Demari Simpkins (3), Zack Moss (2) and Tyler Huntley (1) get interviewed following an NCAA Football game vs. the University of Colorado at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City, Utah on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019. (Photo by Kiffer Creveling | The Daily Utah Chronicle)
ProUtes: Predicting the 2020 NFL Draft
April 21, 2020
Even though Utah football’s pro day was canceled and the upcoming NFL draft is limiting who will be allowed to the event, multiple Utes are hoping to hear their names called during the draft. Many of the members of the team held their own virtual pro days to get their stats out to all the NFL front office members. Here are the results:
Zack Moss
Stats
Height: 5 feet 9 inches
Weight: 223 pounds
Arms: 31 ¼ inches
Hands: 9 ¼ inches
40-yard dash: 4.65 seconds (combine); 4.52 (pro day)
Bench: 19 reps
Vertical: 33 inches
20-yard shuttle: 4.37 seconds
Moss showed his ability to run over tacklers and show his power during his four seasons as a Ute. He is the current record holder for all-time rushing yards, all-purpose touchdowns, carries, 100-yard rushing games, all-purpose plays and rushing touchdowns. Moss is arguably the greatest running back to ever come through Utah and is primed to make a splash in the NFL.
What experts are saying
“Well-built with power dispersed throughout.”
“Both patient and urgent gears at his disposal.”
“Elite contact balance.”
“Absorbs contact like a cement truck.”
“[Can] move the chains and find the paint.”
Predictions for the draft
Second round.
(Photo by Curtis Lin | The Daily Utah Chronicle)
Tyler Huntley
Stats
Height: 6 feet 1 3/4 inches
Weight: 207 pounds
Broad Jump: 10 feet 8.5 inches
Vertical: 43.5 inches
40-yard dash: 4.56 seconds
Three-cone drill: 6.84 seconds
20-yard shuttle: 4.31 seconds
One of the most notable snubs from this year’s combine was star QB Tyler Huntley. QB1 was a finalist for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award and the Manning Award. He finished the season first in the conference and second in the nation in completion percentage (0.731), fifth in the nation and first in the Pac-12 in passing efficiency (177.6) and third in the country and first in the league in yards per pass attempt (10.27). Not only can he kill teams with his arms, but he can do the same with his feet.
What the experts are saying
“He shows good velocity on deep throws, especially off-play action.”
“Shows a good ball fake that linebackers will bite on before ripping it downfield.”
Predictions for the draft
Sixth round.
Demari Simpkins
Stats
Height: 5 feet 11 inches
Weight: 191 pounds
40-yard dash: 4.43 seconds
Bench: 12 reps
Vertical: 33.5 inches
Broad Jump: 110 inches
Three-cone drill: 6.96 seconds
20-yard shuttle: 4.28 seconds
Simpkins was another four-year starter for the Utes who was respected for his speed and catching ability. Simpkins’ addition to the team went far beyond his receiving abilities, though, as he returned punts and kicks, including a return for a touchdown in his final game at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
What the experts are saying
“He is a man of many talents. Kick returning, blocking, receiving, and a motion athlete.”
Predictions for the draft
Free agency.
Terrell Burgess
Stats
Height: 5 feet 11 inches
Weight: 202 pounds
Arms: 29 ½ inches
Hands: 9 ¼ inches
40-yard dash: 4.46 seconds
Bench: 20 reps
Vertical: 33.5 inches
Broad jump: 122 inches
Burgess is known for his high football IQ and his ability to sniff out plays before they begin. Burgess is one of the more quiet names for the Utes in the draft, but he is projected to make waves for an NFL team. His size, speed and athletic ability are bound to be key for NFL teams across the board.
What experts are saying
“Lauded by scouts, coaches and teammates for his preparation. Field awareness of a pro. Disciplined with good recognition for misdirection. Athletic twitchy feet with early burst.”
Predictions for the draft
Third round.
Julian Blackmon
Stats
Height: 6 feet 1 inch
Weight: 187 pounds
Arm: 31 inches
Hand: 9 inches
While his season was cut short due to an ACL injury, safety Julian Blackmon has the skills to play at the next level. In his senior campaign, he racked up postseason accolades, being named to the second-team Associated Press All-American and first-team All-Pac-12 honors as well as being invited to the combine.
What experts are saying
“The former cornerback has soft hands and carryover route-anticipation that should allow him to match against tight ends as a pro. He can play split safety, big nickel or help support the run as a down safety.”
Predictions for the draft
Fifth round.
Leki Fotu
Stats
Height: 6 feet 5 inches
Weight: 330 pounds
Arms: 34 1/4 inches
Hands: 10 5/8 inches
Bench: 21 reps
40-yard dash: 5.15 seconds
For the last three years, defensive lineman Leki Fotu has been one of the most consistent players on the field for the Utah defense. The West Valley City native was a huge part of the defense that helped clinch the south division title for the second year in a row. Fotu accounted for 29 tackles, nine for loss, 1.5 sacks, two pass breakups in the 13 games he started in. He was also named first-team All-Pac-12 as well as a member of the third-team Associated Press All-American team.
What experts are saying
“Single blocks won’t get much movement against him.”
“His initial lick carries jarring pop to blocker upright.”
Predictions for the draft
Fourth round.
John Penisini
Stats
Height: 6 feet 1 inch
Weight: 318 pounds
Arms: 32 ⅞ inches
Hands: 10 ½ inches
Vertical: 25.5 inches
Bench: 23 reps
20-yard shuttle: 4.93 seconds
John Penisini was stout on the defensive line for the Utes, taking on many double teams and forcing his way into the backfield of just about every Pac-12 team. The Snow College transfer was a member of the two-headed monster of the interior line next to Leki Fotu for his two seasons on the hill. Penisini might not get drafted, but he has the potential to be a solid option for multiple NFL teams.
What experts are saying
“Wide through hips and legs but carries weight well.”
“Gets under blockers pads and works to full extension.”
“Above average arm length and big hands for his size.”
“Booming power in his hands.”
Predictions for the draft
Seventh round.
Bradlee Anae
Stats
Height: 6 feet 3 inches
Weight: 257 pounds
Arms: 32 ⅛ inches
Hands: 10 ⅛ inches
Broad: 115 inches
Vertical: 31 inches
Bench: 25 reps
40-yard dash: 4.93 seconds
Three-cone drill: 7.44 seconds
20-yard shuttle: 4.43 seconds
The newest mayor of Sack Lake City is ready to make the move to the next level. Bradlee Anae is one of the most dominant defensive ends in the draft. He is known for his explosiveness off the snap and his ability to get to the quarterback. Anae’s build and physical aggressiveness will make an NFL team very happy.
What experts are saying
“Quick to land first at point of attack. Can play with hand up or down. Good extension when setting the edge. Explosive when getting upfield. Actively pursues strip-sacks.”
Predictions for the draft
Third round.
Jaylon Johnson
Stats
Height: 6 feet 0 inches
Weight: 193 pounds
Arms: 31 ⅜ inches
Hands: 9 ⅜ inches
Broad: 124 inches
Vertical: 36.5 inches
Bench: 15 reps
40-yard dash: 4.5 seconds
Three-cone drill: 7.01 seconds
20-yard shuttle: 4.13 seconds
Lockdown corner Jaylon Johnson decided to forgo his senior season at Utah in order to pursue a chance of going to the NFL. Johnson was the Utes’ go-to corner since his freshman year. In his final season alone, he accounted for a team-high 11 pass breakups as well as 36 tackles and two interceptions. Johnson has the speed as well as the length to go toe-to-toe with some of the best receivers in the league. The second-team Associated Press All-American and first-team All-Pac-12 member could be a starter in the NFL by his second season.
What experts are saying
“He’s a physical press corner with off-man ability whose anticipation and ball skills should continue to help him make plays as a CB1 and first-round pick.”
Predictions for the draft
Late first round.
Javelin Guidry
Stats
Height: 5 feet 9 inches
Weight: 191 pounds
Arms: 31 ¼ inches
Hands: 9 inches
Bench: 21 reps
40-yard dash: 4.29 seconds
Just like Johnson, defensive back Javelin Guidry also elected to forgo his senior season in order to try his hand at the NFL. The speedster ran the fastest 40-yard time among corners and was the second fastest overall at the 2020 combine. In his final season for the Utes, Guidry accounted for 42 tackles and six pass breakups. While he is on the smaller side, his speed could be a thing that NFL teams are willing to roll the dice with him on.
What experts are saying
“Short but compact and well-built for a slot corner.”
“Has a 300-pound bench press and above-average strength for his size.”
Predictions for the draft
Seventh round.
Francis Bernard
Stats
Height: 6 feet 0 inches
Weight: 234 pounds
Arms: 31 ⅞ inches
Hands: 9 ⅞ inches
Broad: 120 inches
Vertical: 32.5 inches
Bench: 19 reps
40-yard dash: 4.81 seconds (NFL); 4.65 (pro day)
Three-cone drill: 7.105 seconds
20-yard shuttle: 4.28 seconds
Bernard is one of the most underrated linebackers in college football. His ability to sniff out plays and stuff running backs in the backfield is impressive, and he should make for a great option for most defenses in the league. Bernard’s time as a running back makes his defensive IQ a level above most, and his gritty determination is sure to make its mark on offensive players.
What experts are saying
“Former running back with a sense for play recognition.”
“Quick to diagnose play direction.”
“Races ahead of blockers to beat them to the spot.”
“Accelerates feet into and through the tackle.”
“Soft hands with five interceptions in two years.”
Predictions for the draft
Seventh round.
Darrin Paulo
Stats
Height: 6 feet 5 inches
Weight: 315 pounds
While the three-year starter did not receive a combine invite, according to offensive line coach Jim Harding, he has the athleticism as well as the size to make it to the next level. Paulo was named to the all-Pac-12 first team after his senior season.
What the experts are saying
According to Scott Wright’s Draft Countdown, Paulo is the 22nd best offensive tackle in the draft.
Predictions for the draft
Free agency.
Josh Nurse
Stats
Height: 6 feet 3 inches
Weight: 200 pounds
In his first season at the corner position Nurse showed skills at the position with 27 tackles (2.0 TFL, 1.0 sack) and also tied for third on the team with six pass breakups. He also recorded a forced fumble versus Cal. Nurse has the length to make big plays but at times during the season he got exposed.
What the experts are saying
According to Scott Wright’s Draft Countdown, Nurse is the 63rd best corner in this upcoming draft.
Predictions for the draft
Free agency.
Hunter Thedford
Stats
Height: 6 feet 7 inches
Weight: 270 pounds
Broad: 122 inches
Vertical: 33 inches
Bench: 23 reps
40-yard dash: 4.58 seconds
Three-cone drill: 6.65 seconds
20-yard shuttle: 4.28 seconds
Thedford didn’t get a ton of playing time, but made each moment count when he got on the field. Used more for his blocking ability, Thedford opened up holes for Moss and kept defenders away from Huntley through his senior season. Thedford could be a quiet killer for his future NFL team.
What experts are saying
“Has the chance to be a really good blocking tight end.”
Predictions for the draft
Free agency.
Other Utah players who are putting their names in the NFL draft include: Tareke Lewis (CB), Andrew Strauch (K), Derrick Vickers (ATH) and Paul Toala (C).
The NFL draft is set to begin on Thursday, April 23 and will run through Saturday, April 25.