This article was first published in the Cougar Insiders newsletter Tuesday. Sign up to receive the newsletter in your inbox each week.
The NFL draft found linebacker Jack Kelly and tight end Carsen Ryan taken in late rounds of the draft last week, which fostered discussion on how the Cougar program is producing more wins in relation to players drafted than anyone else in the country.
A study shows BYU football is an outlier when it comes to talent drafted compared with appearances in the AP Top 25 Poll the past six seasons. BYU is doing more with fewer NFL draftable players.
Next year, BYU should increase draftable numbers from this year’s two to at least three and possibly four. Those candidates will come from among safety Faletau Satuala, running back LJ Martin, linebacker Cade Uluave, center Bruce Mitchell, linebacker Isaiah Glasker, offensive tackle Andrew Gentry, defensive lineman Keanu Tanuvasa, corner Evan Johnson and tight end Walker Lyons.
Another traceable statistic in terms of BYU’s progress is the fact that seven teams since 2010 have made the jump into Power Four football, including BYU, Utah, TCU, Houston, UCF, West Virginia and Cincinnati. BYU has won more conference games the quickest (three seasons) than any of those as they transition, according to Cougarstats.com.
Trends. Something to watch.
Question of the week
Now that the NFL draft is over, and two Cougars were taken, what do you make of this year’s draft and how BYU’s football program is preparing athletes for the next level?
Jay Drew: After the Cougars were shut out of last year’s NFL draft for the first time since 2020, this year’s draft brought mostly positive results for the Cougars. Heading into the draft, it appeared that linebacker Jack Kelly was a surefire pick, while pass-catchers Chase Roberts and Carsen Ryan were viewed as late-round possibilities.
So having Kelly and Ryan drafted was a win for the program, although I personally think Kelly was picked too late and will be a steal for the New York Giants. Ryan will have a tough time making the Cleveland Browns’ roster as a seventh-round pick, given the sheer number of tight ends already on the roster.
For BYU, it was a nice rebound from 2025, when Tyler Batty and Jakob Robinson probably should have been drafted; both are still in the league after signing priority free agent contracts.
It probably should be noted that neither Kelly nor Ryan began their college careers at BYU. The last two drafted players who began their careers at BYU were Blake Freeland and Jaren Hall, in 2023. It is also pretty amazing that a program that has gone 23-4 the past two seasons has only had two players drafted in that time period. So kudos to head coach Kalani Sitake for that.
BYU’s success the past two seasons can be attributed to culture and coaching as much, if not more, than standout players.
Dick Harmon: Two is better than zero, and it won’t be just two next year. That’s the trajectory of Kalani Sitake’s program, which has been on the threshold of the CFP the past two seasons.
After Jack Kelly and Carsen Ryan were drafted, the regular bevy of free agent signings took place with very good players moving on. Safety Tanner Wall and receiver Chase Roberts are among those who were able to choose where they wanted to go without being drafted. BYU has a good track record of getting free agents to stick on rosters. Why? For one of the same reasons NFL teams shy away from BYU’s older players due to missionary work; they like their work ethic, character, and leadership on and off the field.
In addition to Walls and Roberts, corner Mory Bamba, kicker Will Ferrin, tackle Isaiah Jatta and deep snapper Garrison Grimes signed as free agents.
In the bigger picture, BYU’s two draftees became part of the Big 12 draft numbers that pushed the league ahead of the mighty SEC in drafted players in this class. This is important for the Big 12’s reputation for producing quality players, an important part of TV appearances and image.
Finally, BYU’s current staff has embraced the challenge of advancing players to NFL careers and have made that a part of their pitch to recruits. It hasn’t always been a priority or high goal on the board for previous staffs.
Cougar tales
Here are Jay Drew’s stories on how Carsen Ryan (versatility) and Jack Kelly (leadership) will challenge for roles on their respective NFL teams.
At the Big 12 golf championship in Hutchinson, Kansas, freshman Kihei Akina tied a conference record for the lowest score in a round with his first-round 63 on Monday. The Cougars entered Tuesday’s third round with a lot of work to do, 16 strokes behind leader Oklahoma State. Akina is challenging for medalist honors.
From the archives
From X-verse
Extra points
- Bruce Branch III arrives in Provo (SI. com)
- AJ Dybantsa pens letter to BYU fans (Deseret News)
- BYU adds big man from TCU (Deseret News)
Fanalysts
Comments from Deseret News readers:
Besides his athleticism and talent, what I’ll remember most about Kelly is his toughness. Last year in the middle of the season, he played through injuries most players would have sat out with. At times, Jack and Glasker were great together in 24 and 25. They gave us an edge on defense that often carried the team.
If Jack can make the team, stay healthy, and then get on the field, he has the ability to be a special player. If he makes it — Giants fans will love him! Tons of respect for Jack Kelly!!!
— Knotholegame
This guy looks perfect. Size. The look in his eyes. Glad I’m not in charge of blocking him. Our D line is looking pretty good. Don’t know if Jeremiah is at tackle or end, but get this kid talking with one or two of our D linemen, like Keanu or this new guy from Texas, Akana, or Bodie or Hunter. I’m liking this.
— Mogli54
Up next
- April 29 | 9:30 a.m. | track and field | Robison Invitational
- April 30 | 6 p.m. | baseball | Utah
- April 30 | 6 p.m. | softball | Arizona State
- May 1 | 6 p.m. | baseball | Utah
- May 1 |6 p.m. | softball | Arizona State
- May 2 | noon | softball | Arizona State
- May 2 | 1 p.m. | baseball | Utah