BYU Players in the NFL - Week 1 Performances & Power Rankings
By D.A. Sweat
Here’s the Week 1 summary of former BYU Cougars in the NFL. Power Rankings only reflect each player’s 2024 season-long performance without factoring in previous seasons.
No. 1 - Ryan Rehkow, P, Cincinnati Bengals
Stats: 4 punts, 64.5 yard average, 80 yard long
What an NFL debut for the rookie! Not only did he set a Bengals franchise record with an 80 yard bomb, he set the all-time NFL single-game record with his 64.5 yard average! In his first game he may have produced the best punting day in NFL history. Incredible!
No. 2 - Fred Warner, LB, San Francisco 49ers
Stats: 7 tackles, 1 forced fumble
On the big stage of Monday Night Football, Fred Warner did his usual thing, flying around the field, making heady plays, and pummeling his opponents. He looked like a young Mike Tyson punching the ball loose on the forced fumble.
No. 3 - Jamaal Williams, RB, New Orleans Saints
Stats: 11 rushes, 38 yards, 1 TD; 1 reception, 13 yards; 1 kick return, 32 yards
Jamaal feasted in garbage time and found paydirt on a 14-yard touchdown as the Saints destroyed the Carolina Panthers 47-10. With Taysom Hill now lining up as a traditional running back at times, Jamaal’s touches may go down this year, but at least they’re staying within the BYU family.
No. 4 - Kingsley Suamatia, OT, Kansas City Chiefs
Stats: 2 pressures, 1 sack, 1 penalty, 54 offensive snaps (100%)
Well done, rook! The 2024 second round pick earned the Day 1 starting job and played fairly well in his NFL debut, especially in run blocking. NBC commentator Chris Collinsworth noted the Chiefs trusted him enough to largely leave him on an island in pass protection rather than providing help. Yes, he did give up a sack and committed a holding penalty, but Kingsley’s off to a great start!
No. 5 - Puka Nacua, WR, Los Angeles Rams
Stats: 4 receptions, 35 yards; 1 rush, 7 yards
Dang it! Puka was getting hot in the second quarter then suffered a knee injury. He briefly returned to the game but was then carted off for X-rays. He is now on the IR and will miss at least four games. Get well, Puka!
No. 6 - Taysom Hill, TE, New Orleans Saints
Stats: 5 rushes, 25 yards; 1 reception, 1 yard
Taysom bullied his way to four first downs on five rushes. The Saints are reportedly committed to getting him more touches this year and lined him up at halfback multiple times, which is an exciting new wrinkle. He would have been far more involved had the Saints not been up 30-3 at halftime.
No. 7 - Tyler Allgeier, RB, Atlanta Falcons
Stats: 3 rushes, 21 yards
The 2024 season starts as frustratingly as the 2023 season concluded with Allgeier being massively underutilized. His three rushes went for 21 yards, averaging 7.0 yards per carry. Starter Bijan Robinson rushed 18 times for 68 yards, or a ho-hum 3.8 yards per carry. Tyler should be getting closer to 10 touches per game. Ugh.
No. 8 - Kyle Van Noy, LB, Baltimore Ravens
Stats: 1 tackle, 1 QB hit
The joy BYU fans experienced watching KVN go head-to-head with Kingsley Suamataia on multiple snaps on Thursday night was dashed when Kyle was injured early in the third quarter. He has been diagnosed with a fractured orbital bone and will miss time. Get well, Kyle!
No. 9 - Khyiris Tonga, DL, Arizona Cardinals
Stats: 1 tackle, 16 defensive snaps
Tonga is more of a block eater than a tackling machine, and he did his job as a reserve.
No. 10 - Zayne Anderson, S, Green Bay Packers
Stats: 1 tackle, 18 special teams snaps
Zayne continues to stay on brand by contributing on special teams (playing 18 special teams snaps) without ever having played a defensive snap in his four-year NFL career.
No. 11 - Michael Davis, CB, Washington Commanders
Stats: No stats, 12 special teams snaps
After appearing as a starting cornerback on many Commanders depth charts leading up to Week 1, Davis was relegated to playing just 12 special teams snaps and no defensive snaps. That’s a curious call for a Commanders defense that allowed Baker Mayfield to go 24-of-30 for 289 yards and four touchdowns.
No. 12 - Brady Christensen, OL, Carolina Panthers
Stats: 2 offensive snaps, 2 special teams snaps
After being relegated to a backup role after the Panthers signed two high-priced free agent guards this offseason, Brady played limited snaps in a jumbo offensive package.
Did Not Play:
Zach Wilson, QB, Denver Broncos
Blake Freeland, OT, Indianapolis Colts
Sione Takitaki, LB, New England Patriots (PUP list)
On Practice Squads:
Chris Brooks, RB, Green Bay Packers
Kedon Slovis, QB, Houston Texans
Max Tooley, LB, Houston Texans
Jaren Hall, QB, Seattle Seahawks
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