There are 21 former BYU football players dotting NFL rosters this summer. Some of them will achieve the highest pinnacles of NFL success this year, while others won't make it through training camp. This first article in a three-part series explores the season outlook for all 21 of these former Cougs.
This article highlights the six former Cougars who are among the best in the league at what they do.
Future Hall of Famers
Puka Nacua, WR, Los Angeles Rams
When Puka Nacua was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL draft, few people had high hopes for him. Even we as BYU fans didn't know what to expect from Puka at the NFL level given the lack of wide receiver production in the NFL from former Cougars. And we weren't alone. There were 176 players drafted before him that year for a reason.
Puka immediately lit the league on fire. As a rookie he broke scores of NFL records 105 receptions, 1,486 yards, and six touchdowns. In his 2024 sophomore campaign he missed six games but still put up 79-990-3. Last year he obliterated the league with 129-1,7175-10.
Through three seasons Puka's 95.3 yards per game average is highest in NFL history by five yards per game. He already has two Pro Bowls and one All-Pro under his belt. If he can stay healthy on the field and stay out of trouble off it, he'll be a Hall of Famer.
Fred Warner, LB, San Francisco 49ers
Simply put, Fred Warner is the best linebacker in the NFL and has been throughout the course of his eight professional seasons. He already has four All-Pro and four Pro Bowl nods. At 29 years old he's still in his prime and adding to his resume for Canton.
His first seven seasons in the league were the hallmark of consistent dominance. In each of those years he had somewhere between 118 and 131 tackles. He was limited to six games last year but still put up 51 tackles.
He has 10 career interceptions and 17 forced fumbles. Oh, and don't forget his 10 career sacks.
Fred Warner could retire today and still be a Hall of Famer.
Quality Starters
Tyler Allgeier, RB, Arizona Cardinals
Despite sharing the backfield for the last three seasons with Bijan Robinson with the Atlanta Falcons, putting up 2,876 yards on 4.3 yards per carry. He also had 516 receiving yards and 20 total touchdowns for the Dirty Birds.
But in a sick twist of fate, Tyler left Atlanta this offseason as a free agent looking for a bell cow role somewhere. He thought he found it with the Arizona Cardinals. But then shortly after signing Allgeier, they curiously drafted Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love with the No. 3 pick in this year's draft.
Ugh. Here we go again.
Ryan Rehkow, P, Cincinnati Bengals
Rehkow claimed the Bengals starting punter gig as an undrafted rookie in 2024 and has blossomed into one of the league's best punters. As a rookie his 49.1 yards per punt averaged ranked ninth in the NFL.
Last year his 50.5 yard average ranked third in the league. Ryan Rehkow could be angling for a Pro Bowl nod in 2026.
Kingsley Suamataia, OG, Kansas City Chiefs
After struggling at tackle as a rookie in 2024, the former second round pick moved inside to guard last year and thrived as an every week starter. PFF ranked him the No. 36 guard in the NFL last year of 81 qualified players. With a full season at his new position under his belt, Kingsley could emerge as one of the better guards in the league this year.
Khyiris Tonga, DT, Kansas City Chiefs
Originally a seventh round pick in 2021, Tonga played a key reserve role for three teams over his first four NFL seasons. Then last year he joined the New England Patriots and had a breakout season as a starter. In 14 games he registered 24 tackles, two tackles for loss, and two passes defended. He was also deployed as a blocking fullback in short yardage situations.
This past offseason the Chiefs signed him to a 3-year, $21 million deal and he will play a big part in Andy Reid's defense.
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