Possible NFL Landing Spots For Utah Safety Julian Blackmon
Apr 19, 2020, 8:59 PM | Updated: Apr 20, 2020, 1:56 am
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Former Utah safety Julian Blackmon will almost certainly hear his name called during the NFL Draft.
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Despite a roller coaster of a 2019 where he thrived in his first season at safety before suffering a season-ending injury against Oregon in the Pac-12 Championship game that forced him to miss the Alamo Bowl against Texas and the NFL Scouting Combine.
There is a lot to like about Blackmon. He is projected in most NFL mock drafts to be taken anywhere from the fourth round to the sixth round of the NFL Draft which will take place April 23-25.
Here are some possible NFL teams that could draft Blackmon.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Jarrod Wilson and Ronnie Harrison are the starting safeties for the Jaguars. The franchise did not add any free agent help but if the Jaguars select Blackmon and he is their only safety picked, that could set up the former Ute to snatch a starting spot in the next 2-3 years in Jacksonville.
Even if the Jaguars pick another safety, I like Blackmon’s chances to eventually start on an NFL team.
Chicago Bears
The Bears have a need at safety after they did not re-sign Ha Ha Clinton-Dix as he went to Dallas. They did re-sign safety Deon Bush to a one-year contract which could open up competition for one of the starting safety positions.
With Eddie Jackson as the projected starter at free safety, Blackmon could come in and shock some people in Chicago.
Denver Broncos
The Broncos have a open slot at safety after Will Parks departed for Philadelphia. Justin Simmons is the starting free safety in Denver with Kareem Jackson at strong safety.
If Denver takes Blackmon in the fifth round, they will get their money’s worth with the selection.
Indianapolis Colts
If the Colts draft Blackmon, the former Ute could be used as more of a project and see how he develops in Indianapolis but could be a great addition to a team that is on the rise in the AFC.
Trevor Allen is a Utah Utes Insider for sports.ksl.com and host of the Crimson Corner podcast. Follow him on Twitter: @TrevorASports. You can download and listen to the podcast, here.
