NFL Draft briefs

Published: Sunday, April 29, 2007 12:23 a.m. MDT
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JOHNSON VS. WEDDLE

Georgia Tech's Calvin Johnson, considered by many to be the best player in the draft, was selected No. 2 overall by Detroit in Saturday's first round. Thirty-five picks later, Utah defensive back Eric Weddle was chosen by San Diego in the second round. But in the only head-to-head matchup between the two, the 2005 Emerald Bowl, Weddle got the best of the Yellow Jackets' All-American freshman in the Utes' victory in San Francisco. Weddle, then a junior, kept Johnson in check, allowing him only two receptions for 19 yards. For his efforts, Weddle was named the defensive MVP of the contest.

RETURN OF QUARTERBACK

BYU quarterback John Beck became the third-highest Cougar quarterback selected in the NFL Draft when he was chosen 40th overall by the Dolphins. Jim McMahon is the top draft pick among BYU signal-callers, going in the first round (No. 5 overall) to Chicago in the 1982 draft. Marc Wilson was also a first-round pick, going No. 15 overall to Oakland in 1980. Gary Sheide (1975), Gifford Nielsen (1978) and Robbie Bosco (1986) were third-round picks, while Brandon Doman was a fifth-round selection (163rd overall) by San Francisco in 2002. Other Cougar QBs who have been drafted are John Walsh (1995, seventh round, Cincinnati), Heisman Trophy-winner Ty Detmer (1992, ninth round, Green Bay) and Virgil Carter (1967, sixth round, Chicago). Steve Young was drafted in the first round of the USFL draft by the L.A. Express in 1984 and in the 11th round of the NFL Draft by Tampa Bay.

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DAY 2 HOPEFULS

Other players from Utah schools who are hoping to hear their name called today are Utah defensive tackles Paul Soliai and Kelly Talavou, BYU tight ends Daniel Coats and Jonny Harline, BYU offensive lineman Eddie Keele and Weber State defensive back Bo Smith. Other possibilities include: Curtis Brown, RB, BYU; Shaun Harper, DB, Utah; Cameron Jensen, LB, BYU; Jake Kuresa, OL, BYU; Brett Ratliff, QB, Utah; and Tavo Tupola, OL, Utah.

Later this evening, players who were not drafted can sign free-agent contracts. Some local players who may sign deals include: Zac Collie, WR, BYU; Casey Evans, DB, Utah; Soli Lefiti, DE, Utah; Derek McLaughlin, P, BYU; Jared McLaughlin, K, BYU; Nate Meikle, WR, BYU; Hala Paongo, DL, BYU; Justin Robinson, CB, BYU; Eric Shyne, DB, Utah; Aaron Wagner, LB, BYU; Chad Glover, OL, Weber St.; and Patrick O'Keefe, DE, Weber St.

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Georgia Tech's Calvin Johnson (John Bazemore, Associated Press)
John Bazemore, Associated Press
Georgia Tech's Calvin Johnson
Gallery (2 photos)