Five Thoughts From Utah Football Pro Day

SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah football program hosted 15 of their former players at their practice facility to perform drills in front of NFL scouts for Pro Day.

29 NFL teams were represented at Utah Pro Day, with the Los Angeles Rams, Cincinnati Bengals and Minnesota Vikings being the only teams not in attendance.

Utah has not posted the results of the Pro Day. Here are five thoughts from observing Utah Pro Day.

#1 Nephi Sewell Competed In Select Drills

After participating in nearly every drill at the NFL Combine, Nephi Sewell did all the position drills and the bench press at Pro Day. He didn’t run the 40-yard dash because it was off of a stop watch and not a laser, which would devalue his Combine time if he ran the 40 at Pro Day.

Sewell had a nice outing at Pro Day, despite dropping two passes on one of the position drills. His strength was solid and his speed and athleticism was on display.

It came as no surprise that All-American linebacker Devin Lloyd did not participate in any drills at Pro Day. Lloyd mentioned that he had tightness in his legs going into Pro Day and didn’t want to risk injury but it was a smart approach to not do any drills on Thursday. He is a lock in the first round and doesn’t need to show scouts anything more on the field.

Devin Lloyd talked about the draft process and not participating in Pro Day drills. #GoUtes pic.twitter.com/NbUgFkOOQ2

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) March 24, 2022

#2 Britain Covey, TJ Pledger Impressed

Two of the more underrated players going into the draft is Britain Covey and TJ Pledger. Both players are considered undersized but both guys have a lot to offer at the next level. Covey and Pledger had great 40-yard dash times and made great plays in the position drills.

“I was able to show my speed,” Pledger said. “I felt like I answered the questions there. My agility, my route running, catching out of the backfield and and just my explosiveness.”

Britain Covey was pleased with his Pro Day as well.

“I think that more than anything, as a player, you want to show what makes you unique,” Covey said. “There are lots of different versions of similar players and I feel like I am a unique type of player.”

Britain Covey talked about his performance at Pro Day. #GoUtes pic.twitter.com/WEYiuijqP2

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) March 24, 2022

#3 Mika Tafua Performed Well Coming Off Of Surgery

Before the Rose Bowl, Mika Tafua announced he would play in the game against Ohio State and then declare for the NFL Draft. He also mentioned that he played the last three games with a sports hernia that required surgery after the season. Tafua was able to do all the drills at Pro Day on Thursday and looked good despite having surgery.

“I feel pretty good,” Tafua said. “I didn’t really start running until like, maybe a week and a half, two weeks ago. I just was trying to get healed and ready for today so that I can do everything. That’s the most important thing for me today is participate in everything that I can.”

#4 Big Bam Looks Light Despite Big Size

It’s no secret that Bamidele Olaseni is a big human being. At 6’8 and 330 pounds, Olaseni made great strides this past season that set him up for a chance at playing in the NFL. After a strong 2021 season, Olaseni was invited to play in the Shrine Bowl, where he impressed NFL scouts. At Pro Day, Olaseni looked light on his feet for a offensive lineman his size.

The 40-yard dash number might not stand out but just observing him like the 29 other NFL teams, Olaseni helped his draft stock on Thursday.

Big Bam Olaseni at Utah Pro Day. #GoUtes pic.twitter.com/UniEFzgAkG

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) March 24, 2022

#5 Former Utah Standouts Helping Out At Pro Day

Since Cam Rising isn’t going to the NFL and current players on the team can’t throw at Pro Day, Utah needed to find a quarterback to throw to Cole Fotheringham, Britain Covey, TJ Pledger and Theo Howard. The Utes were able to bring former QB Troy Williams in to throw at Pro Day. Williams was a captain for two seasons from 2016-17 and started the 2016 season.

That wasn’t it when it came to alumni helping. Former All-American punter, two-time Ray Guy award winner and current KSL Sports personality Tom Hackett was outside on the practice field punting for the returners at Pro Day.

While Troy Williams threw at Pro Day, @TomCantHackett did the punting.

"I kicked some bombs, today." – Hackett told me after his session.

I am told he's still got it.#GoUtes

— Trevor Allen (@TrevorASports) March 24, 2022

Trevor Allen is a Utah Utes Insider for sports.ksl.com and host of the Crimson Corner podcast. Follow him on Twitter: @TrevorASports.

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