Utah Football: Top 3 prospects for 2021 NFL Draft

Arguably the best name on the Utah football roster

When Mika Tafua committed to Utah, he was one of the best weak-side defensive end prospects in the nation and that hasn’t changed in his short time with the program.

In fact, he is coming off an honorable mention all-conference season in 2019 in which he finished with 46 total tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and three sacks. He also batted down two passes and recovered four fumbles — one he returned for a touchdown.

Tafua had an immediate impact as a freshman as well, earning some playing time in 2018 and finishing the season with 22 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and two sacks. It was clear from day one that he was going to be a star on this defense and he helped it become one of the best the nation had to offer in 2019.

The junior defensive lineman will be one of the leaders of the defense in 2020 along with Devin Lloyd and if he continues to improve his numbers and his disruptiveness in the backfield, he could approach early day two or even day one range, but it would require a monster season.

Right now, he looks to be the Utes’ top draft prospect for 2021.