This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
After six local prospects heard their names called in the NFL draft, the real action began as the clock wound down on the 253rd and final pick.
BYU offensive lineman Ryker Mathews was among the first locals to announce his undrafted free agent plans, tweeting that he'll sign with the New Orleans Saints. His brother and former Cougars wide receiver Mitch Mathews will catch passes from former Utes quarterback Alex Smith with the Kansas City Chiefs, according to a report from SB Nation.
Mathews led BYU with 54 receptions for 737 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2015.
Jay Drew reports BYU linebacker Manoa Pikula is headed to the Green Bay Packers.
Utah linebacker Jared Norris, who finished second on Utah's team last season with 87 tackles, joined former Utes defensive tackle Star Lotuleilei with the Carolina Panthers, according to an ESPN report. Utah defensive end Jason Fanaika signed with the San Francisco 49ers, while Utah safety Tevin Carter signed with Washington, according to reports from Kyle Goon.
Fanaika racked up four sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss with the Utes last season, while Carter nabbed two interceptions as the 2015 Las Vegas Bowl MVP.
Utah quarterback Travis Wilson will attend a minicamp tryout with the Cincinnati Bengals, according to an ESPN report.
Utah punter and two-time Ray Guy award winner Tom Hackett signed with the New York Jets, Goon reported, joining former teammate Trevor Reilly.
Utah State wide receiver Hunter Sharp, who led the Aggies with 71 catches for 835 yards and nine touchdowns in 2015, is headed to the Philadelphia Eagles, according to an ESPN report.
After two of his defensive teammates were drafted, undrafted Southern Utah defensive end James Cowser signed with the Oakland Raiders, according to a report from The Spectrum. Cowser led the Thunderbirds with 13.5 tackles for loss, 10 sacks and three forced fumbles.
Twitter: @BrennanJSmith