SALT LAKE CITY — Seven former Utah Utes are listed on NFL.com’s list of draft prospects. The players include center Siaosi Aiono, running back Devontae Booker, safety Tevin Carter, defensive end Jason Fanaika, punter Tom Hackett, linebacker Jared Norris and linebacker Gionni Paul.
Five other ex-Utes have retained agents in hopes of getting an opportunity at the next level. The group includes defensive tackle Viliseni Fauonuku, wide receiver Kenneth Scott, quarterback Kendal Thompson, linebacker Jason Whittingham and quarterback Travis Wilson.
“We think we have a possibility of two or three or four guys drafted and a bunch of free agents on top of that,” said Utah coach Kyle Whittingham. “So it’s exciting times for them. They’ve worked hard and now is the culmination of sorts for the fruits of their labors.”
Mock drafts vary as to where the players will be picked.
— NFL.com: Booker (second), Norris (seventh), Carter (seventh).
— NFLDraftScout.com: Booker (second), Fanaika (fourth), Hackett (fourth or fifth), Norris (sixth).
— Draftsite.com: Booker (fourth), Fanaika (seventh).
— Draftek.com: Booker (second), Fanaika (fifth), Norris (sixth), Hackett (seventh).
— WalterFootball.com: Booker (fourth), Fanaika (fifth), Hackett (sixth).
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