BYU Football: Predicting the NFL Draft for all 5 former Cougars
By Adam Gibby
BYU Football is returning most of their production from 2021 meaning there aren’t a ton of players trying to make it in the NFL this year.
If you could write a polar opposite story to 2020’s BYU Draft class, 2021 would give it a good run for it’s money. A year after having the most anticipated Pro Day and eventually having five players drafted (tied most since 1986) and over a dozen eventually given a chance to try out, 2022 is looking very quiet.
In fact, the entire draft feels that way with no clear cut No. 1 pick or star quarterbacks jarring for a top five spot.
Despite the lack of fireworks around Provo however, there are still quite a few players who will hope to have their names called sometime this weekend either through the draft or a mini-camp invite.
In total there are five former players who are hoping to make their career playing football.
Neil Pau’u
Projection: CFL or USFL/XFL
Neil Pau’u is the most likely to not receive an offer from the NFL. While a solid route runner and receiver, Pau’u doesn’t have the height or speed to consistently beat out NFL secondary’s. He also was convicted of a DUI a few years ago which is a red mark for an NFL team who is trying to avoid any players who could potentially have issues off the field. As a side note, I belive that Pau’u is in a great place and is an exceptional leader on and off the field, but from an NFL’s scouting standpoint, the DUI will hurt.
Despite this, I do believe that if Pau’u decides to play professional football he will have that opportunity. This will most likely happen if he decides to pursue the XFL/USFL or the CFL. Those three leagues depend heavily on players who can get open and run great routes and that is Pau’us specialty.