Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY -- As the NFL Draft approaches this evening, fans throughout Utah wonder where their favorite college football stars will land. Unlike years past, this draft class is particularly weak for players coming out of the Beehive State, but there are still a few players that should hear their names called from the podium at Radio City Music Hall.
Let's take a look at the players and see where they could go in the draft and who might take them.
Brandon Burton
Cornerback- UtahBurton is clearly the best player coming out of Utah. He has been a model of consistency for the Utes in the past two years, starting all 26 games. He doesn't have eye-popping size, speed or strength like other cornerbacks in the draft such as Patrick Peterson from LSU, but he does have the skills to play at the next level. And BYU fans will remember the impact that he can make on special teams.
Round Projection: Late 2nd Round/Early 3rd Round
Possible Teams: Tampa Bay, Arizona, Denver Pittsburg, Philadelphia
Curtis Marsh
Cornerback- Utah StateNFL scouts really like his size and speed for his position but wonder if his coverage skills will be good enough at the next level. Scouts Inc. praises his character saying that Marsh, "Possesses a team-first mentality and made transition to cornerback after starting career at running back. Great work ethic. Is coachable."
Round Projection: 6th Round
Possible Teams: Atlanta, Green Bay, Washington, Philadelphia
Zane Taylor
Center- UtahScouts see Taylor as a solid all-around lineman that has a good understanding of the game but they criticize a lot of the technical aspects of his game. He needs to be more consistent to make it at the next level but has the work ethic to get there.
Round Projection: 7th Round
Possible Teams: Seattle, New York Jets, Chicago
Sealver Siliga
Defensive Tackle- UtahUnlike most players who leave after their junior year, Sealver won't be drafted in the first three rounds. Scouts criticize his lack of speed and explosiveness off of the line of scrimmage but they really like his effort on every play.
Round Projection: 7th Round or undrafted free agent
Possible Teams: San Diego, St. Louis, Denver, Atlanta, New York Jets
Andrew Rich
Safety- BYURich has never been the fastest, strongest or most athletic player but no one can question his heart. He understands the game and has a knack for putting himself in the right position to makes big plays.
Projected Round: Late 7th or undrafted free agent
Possible Teams: Indianapolis, Philadelphia, Arizona
Other players that could sign as undrafted free agents:
Brian Logan- Cornerback, BYU: Undersized but makes great open field tackles and could be great special teams player.
Matt Asiata- Running Back, Utah: A big bruiser that could see time as a fullback. Teams question his durability.
Caleb Schlauderaff- Guard, Utah: A four year starter at Utah has all of the tools just needs to be more consistent.
