Under Way

Tony Bergstrom, first team All-PAC-12 O-line

The NFL Combine gets under way today, and three former Utes have been invited to participate: Tony Bergstrom, John Cullen, and Derrick Shelby. All three linemen were all- conference selections in the PAC-12 this season. Bergstrom has been rated the 10th best offensive tackle in the 2012 class, and is being projected as a 4th round pick. He's also included in the top ranks of guards by Eric Edholm of ProFootballWeekly.com. Cullen, a second team All-PAC-12 selection, is not listed in the few seven round mock drafts currently available. Their prospects resemble those of last year's participants, Schlauderaff (drafted and traded) and Taylor (undrafted free agent practice squad member).

Shelby is likewise unlisted in full seven round mocks, which is odd considering he was named the national defensive player of the week by the Walter Camp Football Foundation for his play against Pitt. He has been mentioned as a sleeper to watch by Matt Rybaltowski, the Titans correspondent for CBSSports.com. I'd love to see him end up in Tennessee!

Perhaps the biggest name of the bunch is the one that isn't on the list - that's because Star Lotulelei is returning to Utah for his senior season. Lotulelei was also named first team All-PAC-12, and he won the Morris Trophy following a stellar campaign as a junior. The Morris Trophy is voted on by the opposing linemen in the conference, making it true recognition of a player's impact on the field. For comparison, USC's Matt Kalil won the Morris Trophy for offensive linemen, and he is currently projected to be the third overall pick in the draft this April. Lotulelei likely wouldn't be picked that high, but after another outstanding season at Utah he could really make a name for himself!