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5 Best Hidden NFL Draft gems since 2000 in BYU football history

BYU has had quite a few late-round picks surprise people and have great NFL careers.

By Ericka Brockish

Dec 17, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (17) carries the ball after the catch.
Dec 17, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (17) carries the ball after the catch. / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
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BYU has a long history of players being drafted into the NFL. They have had their fair share, but just 149 former Cougars have been drafted to the NFL. One of the most prolific Cougars to play in the NFL was Steve Young, but Young wasn't drafted in a traditional draft.

With a smaller amount of players drafted, the Cougars have not had a lot of first-round picks. Their most recent first-round pick was quarterback Zach Wilson, who was drafted with the second overall pick. However, there have been a lot of picks that went late and were just as successful as the early picks.

There were picks out of BYU that were later-round picks that no one thought would do much except for the team that took them. Instead of spending a couple of years in the league and choosing to move on because they barely played, they made the most of their opportunity and became starters or stars and played long careers.

So here are the best hidden NFL Draft gems since 2000 in BYU football history.

Jamaal Williams . Jamaal Williams . BYU hidden gems. . player. 540. . 2017 NFL Draft. Round 4, Pick 134. 5

Jamaal Williams was a late-round pick as a running back for the Green Bay Packers. He spent four seasons with the Packers, playing in every game he was able to, but only started games when the starter was hurt.

Williams put up good numbers in Green Bay without being a full-time starter. In four seasons with the Packers Williams recorded 1,985 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns along with 961 yarding yards and eight receiving touchdowns.

After four years with the Packers, Williams went to Detroit where he spent two years and even became a starter his first year. Williams played in 13 games in his first season with the Lions and started 11 of them, he dealt with injuries that took him out for a few games.

In his second season with the Lions, Williams led the league in rushing touchdowns with 17. He also added 1,066 rushing yards all in nine games that year. After a solid couple years in Detroit, Williams took his talents to New Orleans this past season where again he dealt with injury and was able to only play in four games.

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