BYU football has been increasing its NFL-level output over the years, and with the 2024 NFL Draft closing out over the weekend, the dust has settled and we can finally see which of BYU's prospects will get a chance to make an NFL roster.
Many players from BYU participated in the Big 12's Pro Day, while only 3 were invited to the NFL Combine. Only one Cougar heard his name called, as Kingsley Suamataia was selected in the second round by Andy Reid's Kansas City Chiefs. Despite this, many more players from Provo will get a shot at the NFL, as five more Cougs signed as undrafted free agents following the draft.
Kedon Slovis - QB - Signed with Indianapolis
Slovis' collegiate career didn't end up as glamourous as it seemed destined to at the end of his Freshman season at USC. He took over the starting job in his first year, but lost it by the end of his second. After transferring to Pitt, Slovis struggled to find a flow. His arm talent was apparent, but his tendencies as a pocket passer are relics from a lost age of quarterbacks.
In his final season, he joined Kalani Sitake's BYU Cougars, hoping to follow Zach Wilson and Jaren Hall's paths to the NFL Draft in the two previous seasons. He wasn't able to keep the starting position with the Cougars throughout the duration of the season. His struggles were attributed to a shoulder injury, and Slovis' role was restricted to the sidelines as Jake Retzlaff took charge of the offense.
Despite all this, Slovis was invited to the NFL Combine and was impressive. Channeling Sonic the Hedgehog, Slovis posted a blazing fast time at the 40-yard dash. Slovis wasn't drafted but he will get a chance to prove his worth with the Colts.
Aiden Robbins - RB - Cleveland Browns
Another transfer who struggled with injury throughout the season, Robbins played for Louisville and UNLV before landing in Provo for his final season. Though his year was largely forgettable, he showed flashes towards the end of the season of next-level talent, and it's clear that the Browns see the same thing. He'll be joining former BYU linebacker, Sione Takitaki in Cleveland.
Robbins tallied 485 yards and 1 touchdown on 101 carries with BYU in the 2024 season.
Isaac Rex - TE - Detroit Lions
Isaac Rex's career with the Cougars was full of "what-if" questions. Rex's freshman season showed significant promise, as he filled in for the injured Matt Bushman. For his stellar first season, he was named a Freshman All-American. Unfortunately, he likewise struggled with injuries for much of his career at BYU, derailing his momentum in the back half of his time with the Cougars.
A bright and energetic presence in the locker room, Rex was a fan-favorite for his sure hands and willingness to leap over defenders a la Chad Lewis and more recently Masen Wake.
In his senior season, Rex earned All-Big 12 honorable mentions and accumulated 422 yards and 3 scores on 34 receptions in 2023.
Max Tooley - LB - Houston Texans
Tooley was a major contributor to BYU's defense in each year of his seasons with the Cougs. He totaled 92 tackles in his final year in Provo, and terrorized opposing offenses for each of his 6 seasons with the program.
Tooley received All-Big 12 honorable mention honors in his lone season in the conference, and has the physical tools to be a force in the NFL.
Ready to get to work down in Houston! Special teams, special plays, special players🤘🏻@thesketchreal @HoustonTexans https://t.co/ihgUZaJeEq
— Maxwell Tooley (@maxtooley23) April 28, 2024
Ryan Rekhow - Punter - Kansas City Chiefs
Ryan Rekhow was a fan favorite for BYU fans during a season where a struggling offense called for his services numerous times per game. Rekhow's punts are a spectacle; he's capable of flipping the field with one booming kick, no matter his team's current field position. Be on the lookout for his younger brother, Landon, who's set to take over punting duties next season with BYU.
Rekhow was a clear NFL talent and was rated as the second-best punter in this draft class behind the busiest punter in college football, Iowa's Tory Taylor.
Rekhow booted a career-high 68 punts, with a 48.3 yard average in his final season at BYU, and boasts a career long punt of 83 yards--a school record set in 2021 against Arizona State. He'll be the second Cougar in this year's class to join the Kansas City Chiefs, led by BYU alum, Andy Reid.