The NFL Draft is set to take place from April 23 to 25, and fans of the Brigham Young University (BYU) Cougars are hoping to see at least a few former players get selected. This year, the team doesn’t have any early-round “locks” that are guaranteed to be drafted, unlike in previous years. However, three players—linebacker Jack Kelly, wide receiver Chase Roberts, and tight end Carsen Ryan—are still considered potential picks in the draft.
Let’s explore where these players might be selected based on current mock drafts.
Jack Kelly, Linebacker
Jack Kelly has been one of the standout players for BYU in recent years. After transferring from Weber State to Provo, he made an immediate impact with his performance on the field. Over two seasons wearing the Cougars’ uniform, Kelly recorded 106 tackles, 23.5 tackles for loss, and 15 sacks. He was named to the All-Big 12 First Team and was invited to both the East-West Shrine Bowl and the NFL Combine. His skills as a linebacker, particularly his ability to stop the run and pressure the quarterback off the edge, make him a strong candidate for the NFL.
Here’s where current mock drafts project him to be selected:
- The Athletic – 4th round, Pittsburgh Steelers
- CBS Sports – 7th round, Dallas Cowboys
- The Draft Network – No. 96 prospect on their big board (third round)
- ESPN – No. 205 prospect on their big board (sixth round)
- Pro Football Network – 5th round, New York Giants
- Sports Illustrated – 7th round, Denver Broncos
Most mock drafts suggest that Kelly will be a Day 3 pick, meaning between the fifth and seventh rounds. It would be surprising if he doesn’t get drafted this year. His versatility and talent make him a valuable addition to any team looking for a late-round pick.
Chase Roberts, Wide Receiver
Chase Roberts is a fan favorite in Provo. Over four seasons with the Cougars, he played in 49 games, catching 170 passes for 2,586 yards and 18 touchdowns. Standing at 6-foot-3, Roberts was a team captain in each of his last two seasons. In 2025, he earned All-Big 12 Third Team honors and was invited to the NFL Combine.
Roberts’ path to the NFL has been somewhat challenging. His 40-yard dash time at the Combine was slower than expected, which could affect his draft stock. However, he ran better during BYU’s Pro Day, which may help improve his chances. Here’s where he stands in the mock drafts:
- The Athletic – 6th round, Indianapolis Colts
- CBS Sports – Undrafted
- The Draft Network – 7th round, Baltimore Ravens
- ESPN – No. 310 prospect on their big board (undrafted)
- Pro Football Network – Undrafted
- Sports Illustrated – 7th round, Jacksonville Jaguars
Whether or not Roberts gets drafted remains uncertain. His age, due to serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, may work against him. However, there is still a chance he could be picked in the seventh round, giving BYU fans something to watch for during the final day of the draft.
Carsen Ryan, Tight End
Carsen Ryan had a brief but impactful season with BYU after previously playing for UCLA and Utah. In his only year with the Cougars, he caught 45 passes for 620 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 44.3 receiving yards per game. He earned Honorable Mention All-Big 12 honors for his performance.
Here’s what the mock drafts say about Ryan:
- The Athletic – 7th round, Minnesota Vikings
- CBS Sports – Undrafted
- The Draft Network – Undrafted
- ESPN – No. 356 of their big board (undrafted)
- Pro Football Network – Undrafted
- Sports Illustrated – Undrafted
While the outlook for Ryan is not as promising as it is for Kelly or Roberts, some analysts believe he could still be a good late-round pick. According to PFF, he was listed as the best late-round prospect at tight end in the draft. There is hope that a team with a keen eye for value may choose to take a chance on him later in the draft.
