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BYU Football: Predicting the NFL Draft for all 5 former Cougars

By Adam Gibby

PROVO, UT - OCTOBER 30: Neil Pau'u #2 of the BYU Cougars hop skips into the end zone scoring a touchdown against the Virginia Cavaliers during their game October 30, 2021 at the LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo, Utah. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
PROVO, UT - OCTOBER 30: Neil Pau'u #2 of the BYU Cougars hop skips into the end zone scoring a touchdown against the Virginia Cavaliers during their game October 30, 2021 at the LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo, Utah. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images) /
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BOISE, ID – NOVEMBER 6: Quarterback Zach Wilson #1 and offensive lineman James Empey #66 of the BYU Cougars both call out signals during second half action against the Boise State Broncos at Albertsons Stadium on November 6, 2020 in Boise, Idaho. BYU won the game 51-17. (Photo by Loren Orr/Getty Images)
BOISE, ID – NOVEMBER 6: Quarterback Zach Wilson #1 and offensive lineman James Empey #66 of the BYU Cougars both call out signals during second half action against the Boise State Broncos at Albertsons Stadium on November 6, 2020 in Boise, Idaho. BYU won the game 51-17. (Photo by Loren Orr/Getty Images) /

James Empey

Projection: 6th Round, Carolina Panthers

The center position in the NFL is all about size, and that is something that somehow Empey lacks. Despite being one of the most dominant centers in all of college football, in the NFL, teams are very hesitant to pick up guys who weigh less than 315 pounds and are shorter than 6’2″.

Empey could have a successful future, however it is going to be interesting as to whether a team will be willing to take a chance on the shorter center. Personally, I believe that once the sixth round comes around, teams may start looking at PFF rankings and see Empey at the top of the list and take a chance.

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