Brady Christensen Could Join An Exclusive Group of BYU Offensive Lineman

PROVO, Utah – BYU’s 7-0 start to the 2020 season has brought national attention to the Cougars and the talented roster.

Quarterback Zach Wilson is garnering Heisman hype and last week, PFF ranked Wilson and OL Brady Christensen in their Top 100 Big Board for the 2021 NFL Draft. There’s no saying whether or not the junior tackle will enter the NFL Draft in April but if he did, Christensen could join an exclusive group of BYU offensive lineman.

Christensen, who was recently added to the Outland Trophy watch list, has been an anchor on the offensive line this season. Amid injuries to fellow starters James Empey and Tristen Hoge, Christensen has continued to dominant, rating out as the highest-graded offensive tackle in college football, according to PFF.

NUMBER ONE!! 😤 pic.twitter.com/oIuJ3qmXPp

— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) October 30, 2020

BYU has a history of offensive lineman playing in the NFL, although since 2000 only three players have been drafted from that position group. Here are the last 5 BYU offensive lineman selected in the NFL Draft, as heard on the “Top 5” segment on Cougar Sports Saturday (KSL Newsradio, Noon-3pm).

Last Five BYU OL Selected in the NFL Draft

Scott Young, 2005 (5th Round, 172nd pick to PHI)

It has been over 15 years since a BYU offensive lineman was selected in the NFL Draft. The last selection was Scott Young, a guard, who played for the Cougars from 2002-2004. He started every game during his senior season. Young played three seasons in the NFL for the Eagles and the Browns.

Dustin Rykert, 2003 (6th round, 204th pick to OAK)

Rykert, a three-year starter at BYU, was a late-round selection for the Oakland Raiders. The six-foot-seven-inch tackle played for LaVell Edwards in his final season as Head Coach of BYU and the first few seasons with Gary Crowton, including the high-powered 2001 offense.

Brady Christensen, excuse us for any oversight, you are on the 2020 @outlandtrophy Watch List. @Brady_BYU. By the way, is that a picture of you surfing on your Twitter Page? @KennyCoxKC https://t.co/mVAmq4G0bN

— Outland Trophy (@outlandtrophy) November 1, 2020

Matt Johnson, 2000 (5th round, 138th pick to IND)

A two-year starter at guard, Johnson played for the Cougars in 1998 and 1999. Johnson was from Indiana and was drafted by his hometown team when the Colts selected him in the 5th round. Earlier in the draft, the Colts selected BYU teammate Rob Morris in the 1st round.

John Tait, 1999 (1st round, 14th pick to KC)

John Tait is the high-selected offensive lineman in BYU history, selected 14th overall by the Kansas City Chiefs in 1999. Tait, a member of the BYU Hall of Fame, was a 1st-team all-WAC offensive tackle in 1997 and 1998. He went on to play 10 seasons in the NFL, five for the Chiefs and five for the Bears.

Joe Wong, 1999 (7th round, 244th pick to MIA)

Wong, a transfer from Hawaii, played two seasons for the BYU Cougars before getting drafted by the Miami Dolphins in 1999. The guard floated around the NFL for a few seasons, spending time with the Dolphins, Eagles, Raiders and even in NFL Europe for the Amsterdam Admirals.

Highest-graded non-QBs in College Football😤

(➡️ @PristineAuction) pic.twitter.com/E59k3IPvIb

— PFF College (@PFF_College) October 28, 2020

Brady Christensen hasn’t stated whether or not he will even enter the NFL draft after this season. Regardless, it is clear that Christensen has been the leader on one of the most talented offensive lines the school has seen in decades.

Not only is Christensen an NFL prospect, but so is fellow junior James Empey. Tristen Hoge is hoping his senior season can catapult him into the NFL as well.

On top of that, BYU’s depth of young talent at offensive line could prove to add even more NFL prospects in the future. For Christensen, as a potential Top 100 prospect, he could join an exclusive group of BYU offensive lineman who were selected in the NFL Draft.

Listen to the entire segment from Cougar Sports Saturday discussing Brady Christensen and BYU offensive lineman selected in the NFL Draft.