It could be a long wait Saturday for the area’s top NFL draft prospects — Colorado linebacker Jordon Dizon and cornerback Terrence Wheatley — who are projected to go late in the second round.
It will be an even longer wait Sunday for the rest of the area prospects.
CU could have at least four players drafted this weekend, with offensive tackle Tyler Polumbus and running back Hugh Charles considered late-round candidates.
The first and second rounds of the draft are Saturday, and rounds three through seven are Sunday.
Three quarterbacks with area ties likely are bound for the undrafted rookie pool, which opens after the final round. Colorado State’s Caleb Hanie, former Fairview High School star Taylor Tharp of Boise State and Northern Colorado’s Dominic Breazeale are ranked from 33rd to 44th on Pro Football Weekly’s quarterback ratings.
Just two years ago, Air Force coach Troy Calhoun was dissecting 40-yard dash times and vertical leaps as the offensive coordinator of the Houston Texans. Now he would like to see three of his Falcons get an opportunity in an NFL camp before they report to active duty.
Drew Fowler and John Ra- bold rank 35th and 71st, respectively, on PFW’s list of inside linebackers. Then there’s Mountain West offensive player of the year Chad Hall.
“He’s a third-down back with good hands, good hand-eye coordination. He could be a good returner,” Calhoun said recently of the 5-foot-8 Hall. “The thing with him is how big a heart he has.”
Calhoun said he won’t take advantage of his NFL ties to force a player on anyone but “I let everyone know all three can work if they are in the right place.” Calhoun said that means getting the linebackers to a team with a 3-4 defense.
Among CSU’s other candidates, defensive end Jesse Nading said last week he has been to Oakland for some interviews. Punter Jimmie Kaylor said he has talked to several teams and knows his best opportunity is as a free agent.
CSU receivers Damon Morton, Johnny Walker and Luke Roberts also hope for free-agent bids. CU has a candidate in tight end Tyson DeVree.
Natalie Meisler: 303-954-1295 or nmeisler@denverpost.com
