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Utah Football: Predicting where Utes will land in 2020 NFL Draft

By Dante Pryor

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - NOVEMBER 02: Jaylon Johnson #1 of the Utah Utes intercepts a Jacob Eason #10 of the Washington Huskies pass and returns it for a 39 yard for a touchdown during the third quarter of the game at Husky Stadium on November 02, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. The Utah Utes top the Washington Huskies 33-28. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - NOVEMBER 02: Jaylon Johnson #1 of the Utah Utes intercepts a Jacob Eason #10 of the Washington Huskies pass and returns it for a 39 yard for a touchdown during the third quarter of the game at Husky Stadium on November 02, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. The Utah Utes top the Washington Huskies 33-28. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 28: Julian Blackmon #DB36 of the Utah Utes speaks to the media on day four of the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2020, in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 28: Julian Blackmon #DB36 of the Utah Utes speaks to the media on day four of the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2020, in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Safety. 59. Utah. Julian Blackmon. 5. player

The Utah safeties were both converted cornerbacks. Terrell Burgess and his teammate Julian Blackmon both began their careers as cornerbacks. Blackmon and Burgess both saw the writing on the wall and knew their NFL futures were at safety.

Blackmon’s draft stock took a hit for two reasons. First, he had a knee injury in December that cost him two games. Second, this season was his first at safety. His lack of experience showed at times, especially in the USC game. Scouts and coaches might see this as a player who has not reached his ceiling yet.

The carryover from cornerback to safety is obvious in Blackmon’s game. He has soft hands and is a natural pass catcher. He was a ballhawk as a corner and is the same as a safety. His size — 6-0 and 190 pounds — allows him to cover tight ends and his speed allows him to cover slot receivers.

When you have a franchise in need of talent, you need picks. If they get a quarterback early, they will draft weapons for him. They need to address a defense that gave up a league-worst 39 touchdown passes.

With three fifth-round picks, expect the Dolphins to use one for Blackmon.

Projection: Fifth round (Dolphins)

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