Utah Football: 2016 NFL Draft Projections

This weekend will serve as a dream come true for 253 college football players at the NFL Draft. For those not selected, it doesn’t necessarily mean the end of their careers. There have been many undrafted free agents who have gone on to have major success in the NFL, including Kurt Warner, Priest Holmes, and Antonio Gates to name a few. There’s also the option of playing in the Canadian Football League or even the Arena Football League here in the United States. Though competition in the AFL and CFL is still pretty competitive (more so the CFL), nothing compares to seeing your name next to an NFL organization on draft day.

This year, there are a handful of Utes hoping to see their names on the draft board. There have been various projections throughout the Internet world, some generous, some not so much. Regardless, it’s safe to assume at least a few will have their names called. Here is a round up of where to expect this year’s Utes draft class.

Siaosi Aiono (C) – 6’2", 312

Projection: 7th Round/Undrafted Free Agent

Devontae Booker (RB) – 5’11" 219

Projection: 2nd-3rd Round. Could sneak into a late 1st round spot but injury could prevent that.

Tevin Carter (S) – 6’1" 218

Projection: 6th-7th Round

Jason Fanaika (DE)– 6’3" 270

Projection: 6th Round

Tom Hackett (P) – 5’10" 198

Projection: 7th Round

Jared Norris (ILB) – 6’1" 241

Projection: 5th to 7th Round

Gionni Paul (OLB) – 5’10" 231

Projection: 6th to 7th Round

Regardless of where these Utes end up, drafted or not, it's likely they all will be invited to rookie camp with an opportunity to make a team.  Be on the lookout for more draft coverage as Thursday creeps closer.

Who do you think gets drafted this year, and in which round?