Kruger, Smith selected in 2nd round

Paul Kruger and Sean Smith, who helped the Utah Utes to a 13-0 record and a No. 2 ranking in the final Associated Press poll, were both taken in the second round of the National Football League Draft on Saturday.

Kruger was selected by the Baltimore Ravens with the 57th overall pick, while Smith was tabbed by the Miami Dolphins at No. 61.

"I can't wait to get out there and start getting to know everybody," Kruger said. "I'm really excited about being in such a powerful defense like Baltimore's, so I can't wait."

Kruger added that he'll bring a lot of things to the table, such as a lot of energy and heart.

"I'm a guy who loves to play with emotion, and so one of the major things that I think I can contribute is a lot of effort, a lot of intensity," he said. "And along with that, I feel like I'm talented and strong, and I have all the physical attributes, as well."

Smith also spoke to the media in a conference call.

"I am excited to get down to mini-camp and prove why I deserve to be one of the top picks for the Dolphins," he said. "I am a very versatile athlete who can make plays on the defensive side of the ball. I am just ready to get down there and prove it to the world."

Both players left Utah early after getting favorable pre-draft evaluations from the NFL.

"We expected them both to go on the first day. I think they're both in good situations with their respective teams," said Utah coach Kyle Whittingham. "They're both very talented players, and I think they'll do well."

Whittingham added that he is proud of them and is looking forward to watching them play in the NFL.

Kruger, a 6-foot-5, 265-pound defensive end, made 61 tackles for the Utes last season. The former Timpanogos High star had 16.5 tackles for loss with 7.5 sacks, seven pass breakups and an interception.

Smith, a 6-foot-3, 214-pound cornerback, also started all 13 games for the Sugar Bowl champions. He made 46 tackles, broke up nine passes and had five interceptions.

Former Utah defensive coordinator Gary Andersen, who is now the head coach at Utah State, said both Kruger and Smith are deserving of their draft status.

"It was awesome, a great opportunity for those kids," said Andersen, who thinks both players will make a successful jump to the next level.

"There's an adjustment any time you take that step to get to the NFL," he explained. "But I'm sure both Sean and Krug-man will be ready for that challenge."

Andersen expects both of them to develop into very good players in the NFL as time goes on.

Kruger and Smith were the only Mountain West Conference players to be drafted on the first day. The final five rounds are today and several other Utes are expected to get an opportunity to play in the NFL. All-American kicker/punter Louie Sakoda and Sugar Bowl Most Outstanding Player Brian Johnson are among the hopefuls.

"There are several guys on the bubble who may or may not get drafted," Whittingham said. "But hopefully most of them will at least get into camp via the free-agent route. So we'll be watching tomorrow in anticipation like we were today."

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