BYU stars, linebacker Jack Kelly and tight end Carsen Ryan, were just taken in the NFL Draft. Next year, in 2027, BYU will see one of its guys taken in the first round for the first time since Zach Wilson in 2021. BYU has had plenty of successful NFL stars, including recent successes like the ageless Kyle Van Noy, Fred Warner, Kingsley Suamataia, and Puka Nacua.
Most of BYU's NFL stars haven't been picked in the first round, including the four players mentioned above. LJ Martin will look to change that in 2027. The reigning Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year should become BYU's 13th player chosen in the first round of the NFL Draft next April. If Martin stays healthy and plays at least as well in 2026 as he did in 2025, he should make some history.
Taking a running back in the first round of the NFL Draft is much more rare than maybe it has ever been. Martin, however will have the advantage of proving himself in the course of his four seasons at BYU, and developed to be NFL ready on day one.
In 34 games in his BYU career so far, Martin has averaged 86 yards of offense per game, a total that will likely increase significantly after his senior season of football. If Martin improves upon his junior campaign which saw him rush for 1,305 yards and 12 touchdowns, he'll be near first place in BYU history in rushing yards, and in the top three in rushing touchdowns.
LJ Martin will likely improve upon his 1,560 total yards and a dozen touchdowns from last year. Given the development of his own game, the improvement of a more experienced offensive line with more depth, and a star quarterback who is also growing at a rapid rate, it's very possible Martin could be a first round draft pick in April of 2027. If not, then there is a Bear in 2028 or 2029 who achieve that milestone for BYU football.
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