Why Tyler Huntley Will Ultimately Hear His Name During The Upcoming 2020 NFL Draft

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Former University of Utah quarterback and NFL hopeful, Tyler Huntley, deserves a place in the NFL for a number of reasons. Despite Huntley not getting an invite to the NFL Combine that was held earlier this year in Indianapolis, Indiana, the talented quarterback will have a chance at making a 53-man-roster for the upcoming 2020 NFL season.

Where he ends up, and the paths that he takes is still up in the air. He could get drafted, but the grim reality is that he may not. His NFL livelihood may depend on his performances during rookie mini-camp, much as it did for former Utah cornerback Domonique Hatfield who was only invited to the Rams mini-camp because someone got sick just days before it was meant to begin.

My Opinion

Personally, I believe Huntley will get drafted. I was in awe when I heard the news that he was not invited to the combine. I could not comprehend as to why that was.

His style of play, being a dual-threat quarterback and having the ability to beat teams with his legs and his arm is the direction in which the NFL is heading. Last year’s Superbowl Championship winning quarterback Patrick Mahomes, Texans young gun Deshaun Watson and 2019 MVP Lamar Jackson are all great examples of the direction in which the NFL is going.

He was the second-most accurate quarterback in all of college football during his senior season, only behind the Heisman Trophy and National Championship winner Joe Burrow.

He completed 73 percent of his passes in 2019. While also being able to add five touchdowns on the ground.

He is tough, resilient and a team leader.

I Miss Football 🥺 pic.twitter.com/IhBQT5Jz8t

— SNOOP🌹 (@_SNOOP1) March 23, 2020

On countless occasions during the 2019 season, the University of Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham mentioned the efforts made by Huntley to bring the team closer. Despite the 2019 team being filled with a number of experienced players, Whittingham admitted that the team leader was in fact, Huntley. They followed his lead. When he addressed his teammates, they listened.

Huntley has a drive, unlike many athletes that I have seen in the past. I have been fortunate to be around the University of Utah football program for eight years now and Huntley’s desire to perfect his craft is among the best that I have witnessed.

No Guarantees

Let’s not fool ourselves, Huntley will not make it in the NFL because he is ready to be the face of an NFL franchise. He is not ready. He still needs a lot of polishing. However, his perseverance and up-side are certainly worth a team taking a risk on him late in the draft.

He is a proven warrior, a leader and a fighter.

Only two reasons why a person isnt where they want to be in life… Either you havent fully committed yourself to where you wanna be. Or your time just ain't come yet.

— SNOOP🌹 (@_SNOOP1) March 6, 2020

The 2020 NFL Draft is scheduled to take place later this month from April 23-25. Las Vegas was originally scheduled to host the event, however, due to the coronavirus pandemic, those plans have been canceled.

Tom Hackett is a Utah and Real Salt Lake Insider for sports.ksl.com and host of the It’s Utah’s World Podcast (Utah Football themed) and The Lion’s Den Podcast (Real Salt Lake themed). Follow him on Twitter: @TomCantHackett.