The 2025 NFL Draft came and went without a single BYU football player hearing their name called. While this outcome wasn’t entirely unexpected, given pre-draft projections, it still marks a significant moment for the program. Despite the lack of draft selections, eight former Cougars have secured opportunities to pursue professional football careers, either through free-agent contracts or invitations to training camps. Meanwhile, discussions about potential departures from the team have added another layer of intrigue to BYU’s offseason.
### No Draft Picks, But Pro Opportunities
BYU’s absence from the draft board wasn’t a shock to analysts, as most projections had players like defensive end Tyler Batty and offensive tackle Caleb Etienne as late-round hopefuls at best [A](https://www.heraldextra.com/sports/byu/2025/apr/27/no-ex-byu-football-players-get-drafted-eight-get-pro-opportunities/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJEa1ljYlJjZXZteFdnb2JXZ21MamYiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiQk1oNDY4emFxNXplb0NzakxuQ0tFIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LmhlcmFsZGV4dHJhLmNvbVwvc3BvcnRzXC9ieXVcLzIwMjVcL2FwclwvMjdcL25vLWV4LWJ5dS1mb290YmFsbC1wbGF5ZXJzLWdldC1kcmFmdGVkLWVpZ2h0LWdldC1wcm8tb3Bwb3J0dW5pdGllc1wvIn0%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). However, the silver lining is that several Cougars have found alternative paths to the pros. Batty, for instance, signed a free-agent deal with the Minnesota Vikings, where he will look to carve out a role in their defensive scheme. Etienne, who transferred to BYU from Oklahoma State, landed a contract with the Cincinnati Bengals, aiming to bolster their offensive line [B](https://fanrecap.com/no-byu-players-drafted-but-8-get-nfl-shots/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJEa1ljYlJjZXZteFdnb2JXZ21MamYiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiQk1oNDY4emFxNXplb0NzakxuQ0tFIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvZmFucmVjYXAuY29tXC9uby1ieXUtcGxheWVycy1kcmFmdGVkLWJ1dC04LWdldC1uZmwtc2hvdHNcLyJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
Other players securing opportunities include cornerback Jakob Robinson, who will compete for a spot with the San Francisco 49ers, and wide receiver Darrius Lassiter, who has a chance to prove himself with the Philadelphia Eagles. Additionally, offensive lineman Connor Pay is set to join the Las Vegas Raiders, while defensive tackle Blake Mangelson will attempt to make an impact with the Vikings [B](https://fanrecap.com/no-byu-players-drafted-but-8-get-nfl-shots/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJEa1ljYlJjZXZteFdnb2JXZ21MamYiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiQk1oNDY4emFxNXplb0NzakxuQ0tFIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvZmFucmVjYXAuY29tXC9uby1ieXUtcGxheWVycy1kcmFmdGVkLWJ1dC04LWdldC1uZmwtc2hvdHNcLyJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). Even beyond the NFL, defensive back Marquee Collins has drawn interest from the Canadian Football League’s Winnipeg Blue Bombers [B](https://fanrecap.com/no-byu-players-drafted-but-8-get-nfl-shots/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJEa1ljYlJjZXZteFdnb2JXZ21MamYiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiQk1oNDY4emFxNXplb0NzakxuQ0tFIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvZmFucmVjYXAuY29tXC9uby1ieXUtcGxheWVycy1kcmFmdGVkLWJ1dC04LWdldC1uZmwtc2hvdHNcLyJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
### Departure Rumblings
While the focus has largely been on BYU’s outgoing talent, there have also been murmurs about current players considering leaving the program. Whether due to coaching changes, playing time concerns, or personal reasons, these potential departures could impact the team’s depth heading into the next season. While no official announcements have been made, the offseason remains a critical period for roster adjustments.
### Looking Ahead
Despite the disappointment of not having any players drafted, BYU’s ability to produce professional-level talent remains evident. The eight players securing opportunities in the NFL and CFL demonstrate that the program continues to develop athletes capable of competing at the highest level. As the offseason progresses, BYU will need to focus on retaining key players, refining its roster, and preparing for the challenges ahead.
The absence of draft selections may serve as motivation for current players to elevate their performance and prove that BYU football remains a force to be reckoned with. Whether through free-agent signings or future draft prospects, the Cougars will aim to reestablish their presence on the professional stage in the coming years.
