Mountaintop View 4-29-19

What a weekend. The NFL draft was in full force and many lives are changed forever, including many MWC players. Hope you’re ready for all of links today as we jammed picked this we NFL draft news. Read numerous draft stories from the weekend in today’s links.

Warrior’s Tavai is highest drafted MWC player this year.

The Lions seem to like his versatility to play a few different positions on roles on the defense. Going in the second round despite an injury shortening his senior year and preventing him from doing any pre-draft events or workouts speaks to the level of his talent.

Warring to the Texans

Houston loves his athletic ability, despite still being young in football years. They think he can be a future starter and likes his potential as a blocker in addition to his pass-catching skills.

Mattison to the Vikings

Mattison had maybe one of the largest gaps of where he would be going but ended up in the third round. He’s being viewed as a primary backup running back to use at the goal line or other short yardage situations. They also like his ability to catch out of the backfield.

Oliver to the Jaguars

Josh Oliver became one of the best tight end prospects during his time at San Jose State, after starting his career as a defensive lineman. The Jaguars picked up on it and plan to develop him into a solid tight-end for them.

KeeSean becomes a Cardinal.

The most talented wide receiver in all of the conference last year found a home in Arizona. If they are indeed going to a pass-heavy offense, they found a do-it-all receiver to boost their depth in Johnson.

Darwin to the Chiefs.

Darwin Thompson was rewarded for leaving Utah State early by being selected in the 6th round, going to Kansas City. He fits the mold of what many teams are looking for these days in running backs; someone who can get involved in the passing game just as much as the running game.

Seahawks trade up for Ursua.

You don’t often see teams moving up in the 7th round to get a player, but that’s exactly what Seattle did to get the Rainbow Warrior’s main receiver last season. He should be a good fit there.

Vikings take Cowboys S, Rams WR and Falcons LS.

It’s not often a special teams player gets their name called as a draftee and even more rare for a long-snapper. But Austin Cutting was the 250th player taken in the 2019 draft and obviously should see immediate playing time for Minnesota. WR Olabisi Johnson was taken three spots earlier and will bring his skill set to the Vikings to carve out a spot, likely in a backup and special teams role. Marcus Epps will also be patrolling the backfield for the team net year.

On the horizon:

• Later today: A new MWC Recruiting Roundup, full of the latest offers and a new featured recruit.
• Later today: The winners and losers from this weekend’s NFL draft.
• Coming Tuesday: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly looks at another one of the top games from the past football season.
• Coming Wednesday: A new Peak Perspective, looking at the lack of college baseball fanfare.