Fresno State

The most important aspect about Blake Cusick‘s college career is that he improved his on-field punting production year after year, earning a Ray Guy semifinalist nod and second-team all-conference honors in 2018, so while he probably won’t hear his name during the NFL Draft, someone is going make a bet on that continued growth.

Josh Hokit made his name as an athlete who could do it all, starring for Fresno State’s wrestling team and spending time at running back and linebacker during his college football career, so it’s not inconceivable that, as he noted himself, he follows the Kyle Juszczyk career path.

Juju Hughes was one of the first Central Valley recruits to pay dividends in Jeff Tedford’s re-emphasis on local products. His instincts and football IQ helped limit big passing plays throughout his college career and, combined with his willingness to mix things up while defending the run and contribute on special teams, give him a chance to stick as a depth piece in the NFL.

Hawaii

Dayton Furuta wasn’t the Warriors’ primary running back last fall, but he found new utility as a fullback. Even if that position isn’t quite in vogue at the NFL level anymore, a savvy team might know how to get creative with Hawaii’s battering ram.

Cornerback Rojesterman Farris II is one of the most experienced prospects out of the Mountain West this fall, was deemed one of the standout performers from January’s NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, and has proven a willingness to go the extra mile in this year’s unique pre-draft process, so it won’t be a shock if an NFL team decides to take a Day Three flyer on him.

Kicker Ryan Meskell has a strong leg but had a substantial drop-off in accuracy last fall. He could be a camp leg with the potential for more if he can fix that issue.

Nevada

After Pro Football Focus anointed him as the Mountain West’s highest-graded returning cornerback ahead of 2019, Daniel Brown had an uneven year last fall which was punctuated by a suspension that stemmed from a post-game fight after a season-ending loss to UNLV. His size may ultimately box him into a role as a slot corner.

New Mexico

At 6-foot-6 and 305 pounds, offensive tackle Javon Mosley certainly has the size to compete in the pros, but it’s the athleticism he flashed at New Mexico’s pro day that could help him play his way into a rotation at some point.

San Diego State

Brandon Heicklen may have been overlooked among the glut of Mountain West specialist standouts last fall, but no one in the conference was busier in 2019 and perhaps no one had more year-to-year improvement over the last three seasons. It isn’t likely that he gets drafted, but he definitely deserves a free agent deal and a chance to win a job down the line.

San Jose State

Defensive tackle Sailosi Latu is definitely one of the biggest prospects in this year’s draft class, checking in at 6-foot-3 and 334 pounds, and he saw plenty of work in the middle of a front seven that often struggled to defend the run, but don’t sleep on the athleticism he hides underneath his massive frame.

Linebacker Jesse Osuna knows how to play fast and physical, but his biggest concern might be playing undisciplined football. He was called for multiple targeting calls over the last couple of years, so reining in that style of play will be crucial for his future.