The 2026 NFL Draft featured two former BYU Cougars draft selections and six undrafted free agent signings.
This is in stark contrast to the 2025 NFL Draft, which ended with a total of zero players drafted out of BYU. With ten potential additions to the pro pool, this may mark a new generation of former Cougars making it in the NFL.
Jack Kelly LB — New York Giants
Kelly heard his name called during the sixth round of the draft, coming in as the 193rd pick overall. Kelly was the defensive signal-caller for the Cougars in his two years under head coach Kalani Sitake. Kelly is known for his ability to get into the backfield and get off the ball quickly.
During the 2025 season, Kelly recorded 55 total tackles along with 10 sacks. He also had 13.5 tackles for loss and two forced fumbles. During his first season at BYU in 2024, Kelly totaled 14 quarterback hurries, setting the school record for most quarterback hurries in a single season.
“Jack Kelly is one of the best linebackers in BYU history. He’s so dynamic and instinctive. One of the best players I’ve ever seen closing in on the football … that is going to translate directly to the NFL,” said BYU defensive coordinator Kelly Poppinga.
Some of his coaches, most notably Sitake, have compared him to NFL stars like Fred Warner and Kyle Van Noy, both former Cougars.
With a promising resume on his side, only time will tell if Jack Kelly can become the King of New York.
Carsen Ryan TE — Cleveland Browns
Tight end Carsen Ryan also heard his name called on the third day of the draft, taken by the Browns in the seventh round as the 248th pick overall. Ryan’s ability to both catch the ball and block led to him being used as a weapon in various roles on the BYU offense.
After two seasons at UCLA and one at Utah, Ryan transferred to BYU for his senior year. His decision to transfer led to a career-high season across the board. Starting 13 of 14 games, he recorded 45 receptions, 620 yards and three touchdowns.
Ryan played an integral role in the postseason PopTarts Bowl. In the BYU win over Georgia Tech, he had 120 yards on eight receptions, the best game of his college career. He finished the season with a PFF grade of 82.6, making him the highest-graded tight end in college football.
In a social media video posted by the Cleveland Browns on X, head coach Todd Monken spoke with Ryan about his future on the team.
“[We] love your versatility and we’ll be able to move you around on the line of scrimmage and off the line of scrimmage," he said. "You showed up on tape not only for your receiving skills but your ability at the line of scrimmage.”
Signed undrafted free agents
The Raiders were busy on phone with players in Provo, signing four free agents from BYU. The New York Jets also got the memo about the talent in Provo, signing three former Cougars.
Chase Roberts WR — Las Vegas Raiders
Roberts has cemented his name in BYU history not only as a talented receiver, but as a fan favorite. Initially projected to go as high as the fifth round, Roberts unexpectedly became a free agent. However, he immediately signed with the Las Vegas Raiders after the draft concluded.
Roberts became a breakout star in his sophomore and junior seasons, leading the team in receptions, yards and receiving touchdowns. During his senior season in 2025, Roberts recorded 54 receptions, 802 yards and six touchdowns, including two 100+ yard games.
By the end of his time at BYU, the two-time team captain and All-Big 12 receiver made his way into the school record books, finishing top 10 all-time for receiving yards and receptions.
The Raiders wide receiver room is currently wide open and looking for a breakout star. Paired with No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza, Roberts’ opportunity to make a name for himself in the NFL is within grasp.
Tanner Wall S — Las Vegas Raiders
Wall’s journey to the gridiron is almost unheard of in today’s game. By the time he graduated from Yorktown High School in 2018, Wall had played as a quarterback, wide receiver, safety and kick returner. Despite his versatility and talent, he came to BYU as a walk-on receiver.
Wall was soon shifted to the other side of the ball as a safety. In his first season, he had one total tackle but by the end of his career totaled 147 tackles, 71 of which came this last season.
With seven career interceptions, one being a 68-yard pick-six against TCU in 2025, and 83 solo tackles, Wall’s ability to fly around the field makes him a strong contender for a spot on the Raiders’ defense.
From walk-on to team captain, the All-Big 12 first team safety could become the underdog story that creates an NFL star.
Isaiah Jatta OL — Las Vegas Raiders
Jatta’s two seasons with BYU were marked by appearing in 17 games with 16 starts. This past season Jatta and company tore through defensive lines and played a major role in protecting the quarterback, ranking 13th in the nation for sacks allowed.
Offensive line coach TJ Woods said of Jatta, “He lives and breathes football, knows the game inside and out, is very athletic, a great pass protector and improved our run game. He is going to be a force at the next level.”
Jatta’s size, 6-foot-6, 315 pounds, could allow him to shoulder his way into a spot on the Raiders roster come August.
Mory Bamba CB — New York Jets
Bamba raised recruiters' eyebrows at BYU’s annual Pro Day when he clocked a lightning-fast 4.27 40-yard dash. Last season Bamba had 23 tackles, two tackles for loss, a fumble recovery and four pass breakups.
While Bamba didn’t initially jump off the page as a draft prospect, his quick signing with the New York Jets gives him a solid opportunity to make it in the NFL.
Will Ferrin K — New York Jets
“Where there’s a Will, there’s a way!” exclaimed Voice of the Cougars, Greg Wrubell, after Will Ferrin’s 44-yard field goal passed through the posts in a game-winning kick over rival Utah. That kick made Ferrin a walking legend on BYU campus.
Not only has Ferrin proven he can handle the pressure, he can do it with precision and accuracy. In 2025, Ferrin was perfect when kicking anywhere between the 20 and 39-yard line and has only missed one kick within that range in his entire career.
“Will Ferrin is one of the most clutch individuals I have ever met. He’s got ice in his veins,” said Sitake in an interview with KSL.
The Jets may have found the unfazed kicker that they need in Will Ferrin.
Garrison Grimes LS — New York Jets
Garrison Grimes has been the go-to guy when it comes to long snapping for BYU. The Utah native has received multiple honors during his 45 games in his college career. This includes an AFCA Second-Team All-American honor and finishing as a semifinalist for the Patrick Mannelly Award.
Grimes has experience snapping for field goals, PATs and punting. With his strong performance throughout college and versatile experience, the New York Jets may have found the long snapper to complement a certain “clutch individual.”
Minicamp invites
Defensive lineman John Taumoepeau has been invited to the Kansas City Chiefs minicamp. Offensive lineman Austin Leausa has been invited to the Las Vegas Raiders minicamp as well.
Looking ahead
While former Cougars may not have been all over the draft boards, they certainly have a hold in the future pro scene. Kelly and Ryan going in the sixth and seventh rounds is a strong indicator that BYU is working their way back to producing pro-level talent.