2022 NFL Draft: Will BYU’s Tyler Allgeier only be Cougar drafted?
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Tyler Allgeier, a standout athlete who walked to BYU, played linebacker and ended up being the best single-season rusher in school history, leads the Cougars’ parade during draft week in the NFL, which begins Thursday.
Allgeier may be the only Cougar to be drafted this year. Look for other people to sign free agent contracts.
Cougar Insiders Predictions
Question of the week: What’s the prediction for BYU football players in this week’s NFL Draft?
Jay Drew: It looks like another meager NFL draft for the BYU Cougars after five players were selected in last year’s draft. Most likely, running back Tyler Allgeier will be the only former Cougar taken in this year’s draft, and he likely won’t be picked until Day 3, Saturday, in Rounds 4-7.
I spoke to Allgeier’s mom, Ester, for a good half hour on Monday and will have an article about Tyler’s draft prospects — and his incredible journey from single pick to the NFL Draft — coming out later. late this week. Talk about a heartwarming story – if anyone deserves a big payday in the NFL, it’s Tyler Allgeier.
The family does not know which round he will be selected in, but hopes he will be selected by one of the three California teams – Rams, Chargers, 49ers – or a Western team like the Las Vegas Raiders or the Arizona Cardinals.
Other BYU draft prospects include receivers Samson Nacua and Neil Pau’u, offensive lineman James Empey and defensive lineman Uriah Leiataua. I don’t see a lot of buzz for any of those four, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Empey goes through in the seventh round. The shame is that a foot injury he suffered against Washington State that ended his senior season likely hurt Empey’s draft stock. Still, the four-year-old starter is as solid as they come and a true on-court coach for the offensive line. It is worth choosing, in my opinion.
Dick Harmon: Pau’u’s course ability is as good as any we saw at BYU. During his short time at BYU, Nacua exhibited exceptional receiving abilities and size. His pro day results were impressive enough to give him a bump with NFL scouts. Empey is a terrific, intelligent leader and a very capable center who will be an asset to any team that takes a chance.
But this is a project where the only infallible choice is Allgeier. His yards after contact, his ranking as the nation’s leading rush scorer, and his size and speed make him an attractive choice for teams looking for a powerful rusher with decent speed. Running backs don’t last very long in the NFL, and if Jamaal Williams had a chance and stayed in the league, so will Tyler Allgeier, the school’s one-season leader.
I think Allgeier is surprising people and will come in at the end of the third round. I think the other BYU players will be signed as free agents and have a real chance of sticking with it. This year is the product of a very young football team. The NFL will call more frequently next year, especially for BYU’s offensive line corps.
cougar tales
Mark Pope has said goodbye to Junior Caleb Lohner and expects Gideon George to return after going up against an NBA evaluation. In the meantime, he’s welcomed impressive prospects onto the recruiting track, trying to fill three spots on the roster. One of them is 4 stars 6 feet 11 inches Fredrick King of Jamaica who was once a Louisville signer. He’s only 17 and that could be down to BYU and Creighton. Antoine Davis is one of the best goalkeepers in the country and he has scheduled a visit to Provo. Pope is also after Rudi Williamsa transfer from Coastal Carolina.
Here is our story on why the Transfer Portal has become so important in college sports today.
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From the Twitter universe
Jeff Grimes left BYU and Tyler Allgeier rushed for 1,606 yards. But Jeff Grimes quickly found Abram Smith, who rushed for 1,601 yards. They were two of the top 5 RBs by yardage last year.
— CougarStats (@CougarStats) April 25, 2022
Remember that crazy plane that Mark Pope was in? He went to Mexico to visit 4 star big man Fredrick King. King arrives at BYU tonight for his official visit. Would be a HUGE blow for BYU. King has NBA potential. https://t.co/EU1ijwuOZb
—Robby McCombs (@rtmccombs) April 21, 2022
Bonus points
fananalyst
Comments from Deseret News readers
Ainge was the greatest BYU basketball player of all time. He was also a great baseball player and a great golfer. It is a blessing that he continues to support BYU athletics and make an impact off the field. I would love to see him coach at BYU. He would have a great effect on all young athletes under his influence.
— sls
Yay! Let’s get more shoes for Gideon to send home. Although they are young, I feel good with the guards with Johnson, Stewart, Brown, Hall, Saunders and Toolson. A lot of talent. The wing will be a force with George, Knell and Knight. Solid at 4 with Fouss, but would have liked to have Lohner as a backup (probably why he is transferred, he knew he would be behind Fouss). Knight and George can replace all four for a small ball. I think we will see strong growth from Atiki at 5, but we really need a back up center, he is fault prone. Are there any 6’10 guys on the football team who want to get in shape? Any news from Sean East? Any other information on who else is BYU attacking the portal? I was disappointed when I saw Isaac Johnson go to USU. I thought he would be a good replacement for Atiki and a chance to play with his brother.
—CougfaninTex
Following
April 27 | 3 p.m. | Softball | against SUU | @Cedar City
April 28 | To be determined | Men’s tennis | CMC Tournament | @SanDiego
29 Apr 30 | To be determined | Men’s Golf | CMC Tournament | @LasVegas
April 28 | 1 p.m. | Baseball | against San Francisco | @San Francisco
April 29 | 1 p.m. | Baseball | against San Francisco | @San Francisco
April 30 | 1 p.m. | Baseball | against San Francisco | @San Francisco