NFL Draft: Prospects from Sacramento State, Folsom, Burbank could get call from pro teams
The NFL Draft is not an exact science with evaluators breaking down film, combine efforts and projection. Four prospects with Sacramento-area ties expect to be drafted this week, or at least receive a training camp invite as an undrafted rookie free agent for a chance to play for pay.
The draft starts Thursday night with the first round. The second and third rounds are Friday with rounds four through seven set for Saturday. All rounds will be televised on ESPN.
A closer look:
Henry To’oto’o
LB, Alabama, 6-foot-1, 230 pounds
Projected round: 2nd, 3rd
Background: A Sacramento native who attended Burbank High School as a freshman before transferring to De La Salle in Concord, To’oto’o has, among many things, a unique motor. He was so determined to lead DLS to a CIF state championship that he played in the finale with a broken foot, and still made six tackles, explaining later, “I didn’t want to let my brothers down.” He excelled at inside linebacker at Alabama. His strengths include his intelligence and game IQ. He is known for being a superb athlete and teammate.
DJ Johnson
LB/DE, Oregon, 6-4, 260
Projected round: 4th
Background: Regarded as an exceptional athlete for his size with elite rush speed, Johnson is a Burbank graduate who became one of the most versatile athletes in college football. He played defensive end at Miami and started at tight end and/or outside linebacker at Oregon. Johnson embraces his 916 roots and is one of many graduates of any era who say with pride that Burbank is located at “3500 Florin Road.” Johnson’s remarkable 4.49-second time in the 40-yard dash turned a lot of heads, and he’ll get drafted because there’s always a need for a rush end specialist to get to the quarterback.
Marte Mapu
S/LB, Sacramento State, 6-3, 220
Projected round: 6th, 7th
Background: After an All-American career as an all-time stopper for the Hornets, Mapu impressed NFL coaches and personnel as a rangy safety-linebacker hybrid with elite closing speed who tackles with force. He can blitz, cover and run. He showed well in the NFLPA Bowl and Senior Bowl practices. He is nursing a torn pectoral muscle from a draft preparation training session in February but expects to be good to go by summer camp
Joseph Ngata
WR, Clemson, 6-3, 220
Projected round: 5th, 6th
Background: Ngata of Folsom High fame looks and often plays the part of elite NFL athlete and target with size, good hands, strength and adequate speed, and he loves to compete. Ngata showed promise at Clemson amid injuries and COVID cancellations, averaging 19 yards per catch as a junior and catching 41 passes for 526 yards and two touchdowns as a senior.