ARLINGTON, Texas-Saturday, as the NFL’s annual collegiate draft concluded, several Utah standout collegiate football players were able to find a new home in the NFL.
Some of them were draft picks, but the majority found new stomping grounds via the undrafted free agent route.
Most notably selected Saturday was Weber State senior cornerback Taron Johnson, who was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the fourth round of the draft with the 121st overall pick.
Johnson is also noteworthy as the only Big Sky Conference player to be drafted and nfl.com deems him to be a career backup and a possible special teams contributor. Should injuries occur above him on the depth chart, he may have a chance to make an impact in Buffalo.
Johnson is also the first Wildcat to be drafted since receiver Tim Toone in 2010 and the highest Weber State selection since Paul McQuistan in the third round in 2006.
Additionally, the Utah Utes had edge pass rusher Kylie Fitts drafted by the Chicago Bears in the sixth round with the 181st overall selection. Fitts is considered a “steal” at this point in the draft by many draft experts, such as Sacramento-based NFL journalist John Owning.
Beyond this, all other NFL aspirants from Utah-based schools are undrafted free agents, meaning they can select the teams they want to play for if they can get an invitation, but the chances to make the team are slim.
Southern Utah star linebacker Mike Needham has found a home with the Arizona Cardinals for the time being, as has former Weber State tight end Andrew Vollert.
Brigham Young University saw four rookie free agents sign with teams Saturday including receiver Jonah Trinnaman, who, for the time being, has joined Needham and Vollert in Arizona, defensive back Micah Hannemann with the Cleveland Browns, All-American center Tejan Koroma with the Tennessee Titans, and defensive lineman Tomasi Laulile who is currently with the Indianapolis Colts.
The Utah Utes had several noteworthy players get free agent opportunites, including defensive tackle Filipo Mokofisi, who has signed with the Green Bay Packers.
Additionally, Lowell Lotulelei, a star defensive tackle for the Utes, has inked a deal with the Denver Broncos, becoming the sixth former Ute on the Broncos’ current roster.
Meanwhile, QB Troy Williams has found a home with the Seattle Seahawks for the time being and cornerback Kenric Young is currently with the Indianapolis Colts.
Offensive lineman Salesi “Leka” Uhatafe has signed with the Atlanta Falcons, capping off an impressive haul for the Utes via the free agent route.
Additionally, Weber State defensive lineman McKay Murphy has been invited to Los Angeles Rams mini-camp.
Finally, the Utah State Aggies saw cornerback Jalen Davis invited to the Miami Dolphins’ mini-camp and safety Dallin Leavitt has been given an opportunity to make the Oakland Raiders’ roster.
