Five BYU Football Players Received NFL Draft Grades From Daniel Jeremiah

PROVO, Utah – The BYU football team conducted their annual “NFL Pro Day” at the indoor practice facility with 31 teams on hand.

All eyes were on star quarterback Zach Wilson, who’s the odds on favorite to be the second quarterback taken in the upcoming NFL Draft.

If he’s taken second, he’ll become the highest drafted player in the history of BYU Football.

ALL EYES ON THE COUGS 🤙 pic.twitter.com/STXYEauHQe

— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) March 27, 2021

Daniel Jeremiah of the NFL Network thinks there are five BYU football players who could be drafted, which would be the most players taken in the NFL draft since 2002.

Quarterback Zach Wilson

It’s not a surprise that Wilson made sits atop the list. His rise up the draft board is rarely seen at BYU.

The only other player who saw a similar increase in value was defensive end Ezekiel “Ziggy” Ansah who was taken fifth in the 2013 NFL draft.

Wilson didn’t run in the 40 yard dash for precautionary reasons after tweaking his hamstring in workouts in California.

However, he displayed his arm talent and accuracy during the passing portion of pro day, likely cementing him as the second quarterback selected on April 29th.

“That’s not normal.” 😂@MoveTheSticks likes what he saw from @zachkapono1. pic.twitter.com/EjcYHRyzdh

— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) March 26, 2021

What impressed me the most from his throw that made the rounds on social media was the touch.

He allowed Aleva Hifo, who participated in pro day, to run under the pass.

Wilson made big improvements last season in determining what type of pass was required in specific circumstances.

There’s no question, he can make all the throws required to be a successful NFL quarterback.

Offensive Lineman Brady Christensen

I think Christensen gained the most from his pro day showing.

He showed off impressive athleticism for a lineman.

Christensen posted a 34 inch vertical jump along with a sub five second 40 yard dash, clocking in at 4.89 seconds (unofficial).

The record breaking broad jump from @Brady_BYU at the #BYU Pro Day. Think he was having any fun???#BYUFootball l @KSLSports pic.twitter.com/j3F6SwIVBV

— Sam Farnsworth (@Samsworth_KSL) March 26, 2021

Some would say that he’s a little on the light side weighing 302 pounds.

I disagree. In today’s NFL that features mobile quarterbacks and hybrid defensive players, I think Christensen won’t have any issues becoming a starting tackle.

Tight End Matt Bushman

It was nice to see “honey hands” Matt Bushman catching passes once again from Wilson.

There’s no doubt in my mind that he would be a lock to be selected in the draft had he not injured his Achilles in fall camp.

Built for moments like this 🥶 pic.twitter.com/58saeboyeh

— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) March 26, 2021

“If he were healthy and hadn’t missed the time, I think you could talk about him being more like that fourth round range,” said Daniel Jeremiah. “I think when it’s all said and done, he probably is going to be around a sixth round guy but there’s a lot of ability there. He was fun to watch.”

Bushman has the physical tools to play in the NFL.

I think he answered a lot of questions about his health while running routes for Zach Wilson.

There was one route in particular where Bushman stopped on a dime, and then continue his route across the field.

His ability to stop and start on that particular route showed me that he’s going to fully recover from his injury.

Cornerback Chris Wilcox

Injuries slowed down the career of Wilcox throughout at his time at BYU.

However, he always had the physical tools to be a lockdown corner.

4.37 and then a 4.31 (unofficial) for Chris Wilcox.

Wilcox said last November that he was gunning for 40 times in 4.3's. He did just that.#BYU players showing out today.#BYUProDay @kslsports https://t.co/m92ieVdIoC

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) March 26, 2021

Wilcox ran a blazing 4.31 seconds (unofficial) in his second attempt on the 40 yard dash.

That type of speed, coupled with his six foot frame, will probably be enough to hear his name called in the final rounds of the draft.

He reminds me of former Cougar Michael Davis, who just signed a big deal to remain with the Los Angeles Chargers.

Wide Receiver Dax Milne

It came as a surprise when Dax Milne declared for the draft after his junior season.

Now, he’s on the brink of becoming an NFL wide receiver.

Milne showed good speed in the 4o yard dash clocking in at 4.54 seconds (unofficial).

He showed his ability to catch a variety of passes in the passing session of the day from Wilson.

It looks like Milne added some weight as well weighing 193 pounds.

Normally, you’d like to lose weight, but not in the life of an NFL prospect gearing up for the NFL draft.

Milne mentioned he’s been talking with a few NFL teams heading into the draft.

What a story it would be for him to go from walk-on to NFL wide receiver.

As we’ve seen in recent years, not going drafted doesn’t mean the dream is over.

Guys like Taysom Hill, Daniel Sorensen, and Michael Davis have found NFL homes while going undrafted.

At the end of the day, these guys want to find an opportunity to prove their worth in the NFL. I think you’ll see more than five guys on NFL rosters when fall camp begins later this year.

You can hear Matt Baiamonte every Saturday on KSL Newsradio for Cougar Sports Saturday from 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. or you can find him on Twitter here.