Cougars in the NFL: Who is BYU's midseason MVP?

We're halfway through the NFL season — and a handful of former BYU stars have made their marks on the league.

Let's take a look at which Cougars are playing the best and who we will crown as our midseason MVP.

Honorable Mentions:

Tyler Allgeier, RB — Atlanta Falcons
Allgeier makes up the other half of one of the best running back tandems in the NFL. With his fellow running back partner, Bijan Robinson, and led by new quarterback, Kirk Cousins, the Falcons are likely winners of the NFC South and their offense has found its rhythm.

If it weren't for Robinson getting the majority of the backfield touches, Allgeier would likely be higher than an honorable mention. His yards per carry is more than his remarkable 1,000 yard rookie season two years ago, but the volume and touches just aren't there.

Allgeier has rushed for 370 yards and has scored two touchdowns, which is respectable, but not good enough to make the list.

Puka Nacua, WR — LA Rams
The talent is still there for Puka, but he needs to stay on the field.

When you watch Puka play, you can clearly see that he is one of the best wide receivers in the NFL. In week one, Nacua left the Rams' game vs the Lions with a knee injury, sidelining him for five games.

In his first game back, Nacua hauled in seven receptions and 106 receiving yards in a win against the Vikings.

Sunday, Nacua was ejected for throwing a punch at Seahawks linebacker, Tyrel Dotson.

Should Nacua play consistently for the rest of the season, he will be on this list.

3. Ryan Rehkow, P — Cincinnati Bengals
A punter? Really?

Yes. A punter.

Rookie punter Ryan Rehkow has shown through nine games that he has one of the biggest legs in the NFL. Rehkow has the sixth- best punting average (51.2 yards) and the forth-highest net punting average (44.6 yards).

Bengals fans have rejoiced in this pleasant surprise coming from their special teams, clamoring over the undrafted gem.

Rehkow made his mark immediately, when he boomed an 80-yard punt in his very first NFL game. That punt was good for a franchise record in Cincinnati.

Other than a week five mishap where Rehkow dropped the snap of a potential game-tying field goal against the Ravens, Rehkow has had the perfect start to his NFL career.

2. Kyle Van Noy, OLB — Baltimore Ravens
At the start of last season, Van Noy wasn't even on an NFL roster. This year, he is one of the most impactful defenders in the NFL.

Van Noy has cooled off a bit from his scorching hot start to the 2024 season, but his still having a vintage KVN season.

In his first four games, Van Noy registered six sacks, seven TFL and forced a fumble from Bills quarterback, Josh Allen.

He was awarded the AFC defensive player of the month in September for his stellar level of play.

Had he kept up this dominating level of play for the rest of the season, Van Noy would've competed for the number one spot on this list.

1. Fred Warner, LB — San Francisco 49ers
Who other than the All-Pro linebacker, Fred Warner?

The seventh year veteran has been a turnover machine, forcing a league best four fumbles and snagging two interceptions. He returned an interception for a 45-yard touchdown against the Patriots in week four.

While the 49ers are not having the season they'd hoped for, Warner has remained his usual dominant self, captaining an injured defense on a team who is still in the playoff hunt.

Warner also has the highest overall Pro Football Focus grade of any linebacker in the league (91.6).

The unofficial BYU NFL MVP trophy is Fred Warner's to lose, and it has been that way for some time.