Steve Conner,| AP
BYU Football players have thrown their hats in the ring for next week’s NFL Draft. The list below is the ones who have a good chance of getting drafted. Many will become undrafted free agents but the Cougars could have maybe three guys drafted. Next Weekend will be big for the BYU players who are waiting to here their name called. Whether they get drafted or picked up BYU fans won’t want to miss this years draft.
Blake Freeland
Blake Freeland is a projected 3rd rounder and this seems about right. He put on a showcase at the NFL combine, and at the Senior Bowl. Freeland had an amazing four years at BYU on the offensive line also made some big blocks for the Cougars to stay on the field in 2022. He would be a good fit for the Raiders, Steelers, 49ers, Rams, or Eagles. Freeland could go anywhere that needs a big, tall and fast offensive lineman. Freeland also is ranking high amongst other offensive lineman prospects on nfldraftbuzz he is coming in at 13.
Jaren Hall
Jaren Hall is project early day 3 like 4th or early 5th round pick. Hall had a great couple of years starting at quarterback for the Cougars. The question for him is can he stay healthy and who would be a great mentor for him at the next level. He could go to the Vikings, Colts, Seahawks, or if he gets really lucky the Packers. All of those teams need a quarterback or a backup. He comes in at number seven but the NFL prospects website says that he would be realistically a candidate for a practice squad so like a third string quarterback.
Puka Nacua
Puka Nacua is a projected late day 3 most likely a 6th or 7th rounder. Nacua didn’t play in many games this past year due to injury so getting his name out there was hard for him. Many teams will also consider if he can stay healthy enough to make an impact on the team. He could go to the Steelers, Patriots, Falcons, or Eagles. Many teams want a wide receiver the question is if Nacua is the fit for their team and can also be seen developing over the next couple of years. Nacua is ranking amongst his fellow wide receivers at 29.
Kaleb Hayes
Hayes is also projected day 3 guy who could go in the 7th round of this draft. Hayes had a good career at BYU but he turned heads the BYU’s pro day. He would be a player who may switch through a couple of teams if needed but he will find his home as a backup eventually. The Commanders, and Chiefs would be good places for him to land. Hayes isn’t on many boards because he really only turned heads on Pro Day.
