Utah State NFL hopefuls draw praise from Mike Mayock, plus more draft links

Does NFL Draft analyst Mike Mayock think Utah State is gaining a reputation as an NFL talent producer?

The NFL Network's top expert said he might not be the best person to ask.

"Ask Pete Carroll," Mayock said in his Thursday pre-draft conference call. "Pete Caroll had one of the best drafts last year, and Bobby Wagner and Robert Turbin were phenomenal."

Mayock says recent draft success stories have done a lot to boost Utah State's profile and brand.

"Anytime you see guys drafted out of a school like Utah State, it increases the school's visibility," he said. "I think it's great."

This year, the top draft candidates for Utah State are running back Kerwynn Williams and corner Will Davis, both seen now as Day 3 picks.

On Williams: "Kerwynn Williams is an explosive kid. I really like him. Is he going as high as Turbin? No, he doesn't have the size. But he's got a real burst to him. He's a real good player."

On Davis: "Will Davis to me, I think I got him in the 5th or 6th round. But I think he's gonna be a heck of a player in the NFL. The key for him is he needs to be diciplined and not make mental mistakes early in training camp. That's what can happen with kids drafted later."

Here's a few additional NFL Draft-related links:

• Davis labeled as one of the draft's big sleepers by NEPatriotsDraft.com. "A physical cornerback who's used to battling in press-man coverage, the 5'11", 186-pounder should have no problem acclimating to the pros."

• Behind the Steel Curtain compares Davis to Steelers DB Cortez Allen. "He's raw, which seems to be something the Steelers will overlook for mid-round cornerback picks, and if he can get a little bigger, and show he can be the physical corner the Steelers need, he could be a great addition."

• A PhildelphiaEagles.com blogger lists Williams as a possible target for the Eagles. " I think Kelly likes smaller backs, as they can hide in traffic and it is hard for defenders to locate them. Williams is an impressive player. He runs north-south and is deceptively strong."

• Receiver Matt Austin gets some love from BuffaloBillsDraft.com. "Works very hard in his run blocking for RBs. A team looking for a guy to be steady and consistent, and able to be a complimentary piece down the road could do far worse than Austin."

— Kyle Goonkgoon@sltrib.comTwitter: @kylegoon