Locals in the NFL: Utes' Paul signs contract with Bengals


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CINCINNATI — After he didn’t hear his name called in the 2016 NFL draft, former Utah linebacker Gionni Paul reported to mini-camp with the Cincinnati Bengals, eager to get to work and earn a contract.

It didn’t take long.

Paul signed a free-agent contract Sunday on the final day of mini-camp, one of four invitees to sign among the Bengals’ 24-player rookie class.

Paul joins former Louisville kicker Jonathan Brown, former Florida offensive lineman Trip Thurman and ex-Marshall cornerback Corey Tindal as the latest additions to the Cincinnati roster that also includes former Utah State linebacker Nick Vigil.

Paul’s 5.10-second 40-yard dash was among the slowest of any linebacker at the NFL Combine, which many predicted cost him a draft spot. But the former Miami transfer finished his two seasons with the Utes with eight interceptions and five fumble recoveries, earning first-team All-Pac-12 honors following a 2016 season that saw him rack up 117 tackles.

The 5-foot-10, 231-pound Paul stuck around long enough at Utah to earn two bachelor’s degrees, graduating in sociology in 2014 and earning a second degree in economics in 2015 following his senior season of eligibility.

In other mini-camp news, former Utah standout Devontae Booker missed the first day of Broncos camp — for a good reason.

Utah running back Devontae Booker (23) runs against Washington during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 7, 2015, in Seattle. (Photo: Ted S. Warren, AP Photo)
Utah running back Devontae Booker (23) runs against Washington during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 7, 2015, in Seattle. (Photo: Ted S. Warren, AP Photo)

The former Utah running back was graduating Friday, but he got to work in Denver by Saturday afternoon. Booker said his knee is “about 90 percent” in his recovery from a season-ending injury in the final month of his career at Utah, and following a second surgery in February.

He’s currently under certain restrictions by the Denver coaching staff, but he can’t wait to prove he should have been taken a lot higher than the fourth round.

“The chip gets even bigger; it’s probably the biggest it’s ever been now,” Booker told the Denver media. “I’m just going out there and proving all the haters wrong, and make all the 31 teams that passed me up pay.”

Former Utah State linebacker Kyler Fackrell arrived at Lambeau Field in awe of the history of the Green Bay Packers.

But the ex-Aggie slotted into his locker next to Packers star Julius Peppers, and once he hit the field, it was all business.

“It’s an awesome feeling to walk in and see my name up there,” Fackrell said. “It’s great to be a Packer, but it comes with some responsibility. I’m ready to give it my all, and to contribute all that I can.”

Vigil’s transition from college to the pro game with the Bengals has been seamless thus far. Head coach Marvin Lewis praised the former Aggie linebacker’s football smarts, and defensive coordinator Jim Hassett praised his intelligence, athleticism and speed.

“You know what kind of player you are, what your strengths and weaknesses are,” Vigil said. “Stick with those, and you’ll be fine.”

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Former BYU defensive end Bronson Kaufusi arrived in Baltimore, and the Ravens' third-round pick suffered a back strain that held him out of rookie mini-camp Saturday.

But he’s excited to be a Raven, and even more excited to be teammates with former BYU tight end Dennis Pitta and a Ute he always looked up to.

“I love Steve Smith; I love the way he plays the game,” Kaufusi said. “I remember as a kid going to games and looking for him.

“He was easy to see, because he was the one making all the big plays.”

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