Football team's seniors awaiting weekend draft

Wildcat File Photo Arizona Daily Wildcat Joe Salave'a

The draft begins at 9 a.m. Tucson time and will be televised on ESPN. It is being held at Madison Square Garden in New York.

Senior defensive tackle Joe Salave'a is likely to be the first Arizona player chosen. Salave'a has been ranked as the ninth-best player at his position by Pro Football Weekly and could go as soon as the fourth or fifth round. Salave'a has impressed scouts with his hustle and competitiveness, but could turn off teams because he is a "tweener." He is "not as big and strong as scouts would like inside or as fast as scouts want on the edge," according to PFW.

The 6-foot-4-inch Salave'a weighs in at 280 pounds. UA defensive coordinator Rich Ellerson said teams tend to think 300 is the magic number for success in the NFL.

"He may be a tad too small to play inside," Ellerson said. "That won't be the difference. He is close to being the size teams are looking for."

Salave'a recorded team highs last season with 11 1/2 sacks and 17 tackles for losses.

On the offensive side of the ball, tackle Jose Portilla has impressed scouts with his good instincts and pass rush protection.

"He's great against the pass rush," UA offensive line coach Charlie Dickey said. "Pro teams are always looking for that. He is a big, physical man."

The 6-6, 300-pound Portilla has been ranked as high as 19th by some experts at his position, but most likely will get picked up as a free agent.

A knock against Portilla has been his age. He arrived at Arizona after a year at a junior college and after going on a Mormon mission. He would be 26 when he plays his first NFL game.

"I think (his age) won't be that big of a deal," Dickey said.

Dickey said Portilla has spent a lot of time lifting and conditioning, as well as running 40-yard dashes to improve his speed.

Also hoping to find their way onto NFL squads are linebackers Chester Burnett and Jimmy Sprotte. Fellow senior Mike Szlauko has already signed with the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League. Sprotte was ranked 45th by PFW at his position. Burnett was placed as the 47th prospect.

Sprotte received high marks from PFW because of his heads-up play and versatility, showing that he can play both inside and outside linebacker. He could be picked up as a free agent for special teams purposes.

"The wild card is special teams and the salary cap," Ellerson said. "Teams look for guys that can help in many areas."

Sprotte has not, however, impressed scouts with his speed and size. The 6-2 Lakeside native weighs in at 235 pounds. He recorded 12 tackles for losses during his senior campaign.

Burnett's draft status has also been hurt by his size. The inside linebacker is only 5-11 and 228 pounds, but could also join a club as a special teams player.

"He can contribute in the kicking game," Ellerson said.

Burnett led all Wildcats in tackles last season, racking up 93 over 11 games. He also picked off two passes while forcing two fumbles, recovering one.

"They all are very accomplished players," Ellerson said about the senior class. "They will get their shots."