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.

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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Fred Warner is on the line of being a hidden gem, but I chose to put him on here because he was the only BYU player taken in the draft in 2018. Warner was taken in the third round by the San Fransisco 49ers and became an immediate starter.

Warner has played and started in every game for the Niners and has put up great numbers every year. In six years in the league, Warners has had over 115 total tackles every season and has had an interception in four out of his five seasons.

After his rookie season, Warner was able to start getting in the backfield and get to the quarterback. Since his rookie season, Warner has recorded nine total sacks as a middle linebacker. Warner has also been a All-Pro First Team selection three times in 2020, 2022, and 2023 along with being voted to the Pro Bowl those seasons.

Warner has also played in two Super Bowls in the 2019 season and the 2023 season. The Niners were unable to overcome the Chiefs in either of those seasons in the big game, but Warner was a problem for the high-powered Chiefs offense.

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