Seeing former BYU football players on Sundays is one of the best things about being a BYU football fan, so let's speculate about where some of the players from this past historic season may land.
Players that Have Officially Declared
Tyler Batty DE #92
2024-25 Stats: 59 total tackles, 1.5 sacks, 2 pass deflections, 2 interceptions
Grades: 78.2/100 #58 ranked DE in the class on NFL Draft Buzz
Possible Landing Spot: Tyler Batty has an uncanny ability in the run game, and is pretty darn good in pass rush as well. In order to become a true early-down pass rusher, he would likely need to slim down a little bit. I believe that with an NFL conditioning routine, he would be able to drop weight a little bit and become a rotational edge rusher.
I don't know that we will have many BYU players drafted this year, but I think we will have several un-drafted free agent signees (UDFA). I believe the two best fits for Batty are a reunion with Zach Wilson on the Denver Broncos, or joining an up and coming Houston Texans' squad. Both of those teams have a minor need for defensive end, mostly just to shore up depth, and Batty would fill that spot well.
Marque Collins DB #2
2024-25 Stats: 24 total tackles, 8 pass deflections, 2 interceptions
Grades: Ungraded
Possible Landing Spot: Marque joined the Cougars as a transfer from Weber State, following current BYU defensive coordinator Jay Hill. He was a valuable addition to the defensive back room. He started nearly every game this season, and was even tasked with covering #1 overall draft prospect Travis Hunter.
In a stacked DB class, Marque will also likely become a UDFA. I would like to see him picked up by the Philadelphia Eagles. He would fit their culture and previous defensive back selections (Quinyon Mitchell and Isaiah Rodgers). As an undersized cornerback, he may never be an absolute shutdown corner, but he could work well in the slot.
Keanu Hill TE #1
2024-25 Stats: 12 receptions, 108 yards, 9.0 YPC average, 1 TD
Grades: Ungraded
Possible Landing Spot: After being asked to switch to tight end last summer, "Kebo" had a relatively disappointing 2024 season. Partially due to the fact that BYU and offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick seem unwilling to use a talented group of tight ends. Hill officially declared for the NFL Draft after using his sixth and final season of NCAA eligibility.
There are several teams that could use Hill's skills, namely the Baltimore Ravens, Kansas City Chiefs, New York Giants, and Dallas Cowboys. Each of these teams has an aging tight end room that could use a young spark. Keanu, a native of Bedford, Texas, could be partial to joining the Cowboys.
Connor Pay OL #70
Grades: Ungraded
Possible Landing Spot: After missing a few games this season due to injury, Connor Pay played extremely well. In my opinion, he is the best overall draft prospect the Cougars have this season. He comes from a BYU offensive line that has been one of the top in the Big 12 in both of their seasons in the conference.
Connor Pay will likely be a UDFA and could serve as a quality depth piece on the interior offensive life with either the Buffalo Bills, Cleveland Browns, or Indianapolis Colts.
Jakob Robinson DB #0
2024-25 Stats: 43 total tackles, 5 pass deflections, 3 interceptions, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery
Grades: Ungraded
Possible Landing Spot: Jakob has been one of my favorite BYU players over the past few seasons. He is exciting to watch, and has an incredible ability to seek the ball in coverage. Jakob's weaknesses come mostly in size and run coverage. Those two things will limit him at the next level, although I believe he has the skills to slot in at a nickel corner spot.
With that in mind, the three teams that run nickel more than any other teams are the Las Vegas Raiders, New York Jets, and Baltimore Ravens. Jakob screams New York to me for some reason. I think he would be an excellent UDFA either there or in Vegas.
Seniors that Haven't Officially Declared
There are a few seniors that haven't officially declared for the draft, they may or may not. A few of these players may receive an extra year of eligibility due to a new ruling about players who attending a junior college, like may be the case for quarterback Jake Retzlaff. We may see a few of these players as UDFA as well, particularly those on the offensive line.
Ma'atava Ta'ase
Hinckley Ropati
Ray Paulo
Darius Lassiter (please come back)
Brayden Keim
Isaiah Jatta
Mason Fakahua
Caleb Etienne (please come back)
Gerry Bohanon