Utah DB Julian Blackmon drafted No. 85 overall in the NFL Draft by Indianapolis Colts

Soaring up the NFL Draft was Julian Blackmon. The hometown hero out of Layton was drafted in the 3rd round by the Indianapolis Colts with the 85th overall pick. This may be the sweetest pick thus far, especially since he was a local kid that has earned everything that he has come his way.

Blackmon was a three-time All-Pac-12 performer, with the first two coming as a corner, and the last one coming as a safety. In 2019, he earned second team All-America accolades from the AP and AFCA, and was a first teamer by Sports Illustrated, The Athletic and Pro Football focus.

Blackmon tore his ACL in the Pac-12 Championship Game, and his absence was noticeable in that game and the Alamo Bowl. His athleticism would negate any potential big plays, and he was a great eraser on the backend for the Utes. Many around the program say he was the most athletic player on the roster this past season.

Projected as a later round pick, the fact that he was taken in the 3rd round is awesome, especially given the knee injury. Hopefully he’ll be given a chance to heal all the way so he can compete for a role.