BYU football: Trio of former Cougars playing for Super Bowl
After 17 weeks of the NFL season, the playoffs are upon us. With the Wild Card round looming, there are three former BYU football players still in the hunt.
Last season, former BYU football linebacker Kyle Van Noy won Super Bowl LI with the New England Patriots. This season, Van Noy has a chance to lift the Lombardi Trophy again.
But he isn’t the only Cougar in the hunt.
Here’s a look at the three former BYU football players that are on playoff teams.
Kyle Van Noy, LB, New England Patriots
Van Noy was a staple of the New England defense this season, providing a spark as a pass rusher. He did miss some time, however, just playing in 13 games.
But, in those 13 games, Van Noy posted 73 total tackles and 5.5 sacks.
Pro Football Focus gave Van Noy a rating of 44 this season, which is nothing to write home about. But the Patriots’ defense simply looks different when KVN is on the field. He should be back to form when the Pats host the Divisional Round of the playoffs.
Taysom Hill, UTIL, New Orleans Saints
It was tempting to list Hill as a quarterback, but the Saints use him in a number of roles.
After beginning the season with the Green Bay Packers, Hill was cut as the team opted to go with Brett Hundley and Joe Callahan. New Orleans picked him up off waivers and the BYU football legend has carved an interesting path for himself with the Saints.
Currently the third QB on the depth chart, Hill has become a special teams standout for New Orleans. Grabbing the attention of fans, media and Sean Payton, Hill should continue to contribute throughout the postseason. New Orleans will host the Carolina Panthers this weekend.
Daniel Sorensen, S, Kansas City Chiefs
Dirty Dan. The Mormon Missile. Call him what you want, but Chiefs safety Daniel Sorensen has been a key part of the Kansas City defense. After Eric Berry suffered a season-ending injury at the beginning of the season, Sorensen was given a larger role.
He finished the 2017 season with 89 total tackles, despite not playing in Week 17 (rest). He added one interception. The Chiefs will host the Tennessee Titans this weekend.