BYU quarterback Zach Wilson and Oregon offensive tackle Penei Sewell are the obvious leaders in what’s expected to be a good 2021 NFL draft for those with Utah, but it likely won’t stop there.
CBS Sports’ Chris Trapasso marked the one-month countdown until the draft’s first round with a seven-round mock draft earlier this week, and it was kind to prospects from Utah.
Overall, six players who prepped at Utah high schools were selected in Trapasso’s mock draft, including four who played at BYU. For reference, it’s been 12 years since BYU has had multiple players taken in an NFL draft, and the last time the program had as many as four players drafted was 2002 — that year, five BYU players were selected.
Here’s where Trapasso had each of the locals going, and what he had to say about each selection:
First round
2. Zach Wilson (BYU and Corner Canyon High), New York Jets
Trapasso said: “The Jets may think about offering a king’s ransom for Deshaun Watson, but instead they go with Wilson at No. 2 to run Mike LaFleur’s offense.”
5. Penei Sewell (Desert Hills High), Cincinnati Bengals
Trapasso said: “Sewell is essentially a no-brainer here for the Bengals with two of the receivers off the board.”
Third round
98. Jay Tufele (Bingham High), Los Angeles Chargers
Trapasso said: “Tufele hustles on every play and his burst/hand work combination often gets the best of interior blockers.”
Fifth round
148. Brady Christensen (BYU and Bountiful High), Houston Texans
Trapasso said: “Christensen is an older prospect and looks the part as a pass-protection specialist in the NFL.”
Sixth round
192. Dax Milne (BYU and Bingham High), Cincinnati Bengals
Trapasso said: “Another possible weapon for Joe Burrow.”
207. Khyiris Tonga (BYU and Granger High), Miami Dolphins
Trapasso said: “Tonga provides the Dolphins with an immovable piece on the interior of their defensive line.”