The 2025 NFL Draft may not have seen any BYU players selected, but that hasn’t stopped seven former Cougars from securing opportunities at the next level. Three players have signed undrafted free-agent (UDFA) contracts, while four others have received invitations to NFL mini-camps, giving them a chance to prove themselves and earn a roster spot.
### Three BYU Players Sign UDFA Contracts
Despite going undrafted, three BYU standouts have landed contracts with NFL teams. Wide receiver Darius Lassiter has signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he will look to bring his athleticism and route-running skills to a competitive receiving corps. Offensive lineman Brayden Keim, known for his size and versatility, has inked a deal with the Kansas City Chiefs, aiming to bolster their offensive line depth. Defensive tackle Blake Mangelson has joined the Minnesota Vikings, where he will compete for a role in their defensive rotation [A](https://kslsports.com/local-athletes/locals-in-nfl/byu-mini-camp-inv/546598?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJEa1ljYlJjZXZteFdnb2JXZ21MamYiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiODdWWkZKQzl3Wnh1ZVd5eE5DNzU0IiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wva3Nsc3BvcnRzLmNvbVwvbG9jYWwtYXRobGV0ZXNcL2xvY2Fscy1pbi1uZmxcL2J5dS1taW5pLWNhbXAtaW52XC81NDY1OTgifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
For these players, signing as UDFAs means they will have an opportunity to participate in offseason workouts, training camp, and preseason games. While the road to making the final roster is challenging, many undrafted players have gone on to carve out successful NFL careers.
### Four More Receive Mini-Camp Invites
In addition to the three signings, four other BYU players have received invitations to NFL mini-camps. Center Connor Pay will join the Las Vegas Raiders, hoping to showcase his blocking ability and football IQ. Lassiter, in addition to signing with the Eagles, has also received a mini-camp invite, further solidifying his chances of making an impact. Keim has been invited to camps with both the Chiefs and the Chicago Bears, giving him multiple opportunities to impress coaches. Mangelson, meanwhile, will also participate in the Vikings’ mini-camp of NFL coaches. If they perform well, they could earn a spot on the team’s preseason roster or even secure a contract.
### The Road Ahead
[A](https://kslsports.com/local-athletes/locals-in-nfl/byu-mini-camp-inv/546598?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJEa1ljYlJjZXZteFdnb2JXZ21MamYiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiODdWWkZKQzl3Wnh1ZVd5eE5DNzU0IiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wva3Nsc3BvcnRzLmNvbVwvbG9jYWwtYXRobGV0ZXNcL2xvY2Fscy1pbi1uZmxcL2J5dS1taW5pLWNhbXAtaW52XC81NDY1OTgifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
Mini-camp invites do not guarantee a contract, but they provide players with a chance to demonstrate their skills in frontFor these seven former Cougars, the journey to the NFL is just beginning. While being undrafted presents challenges, it also offers opportunities for players to prove themselves without the pressure of draft expectations. Many successful NFL players, including Hall of Famers like Kurt Warner and John Randle, started their careers as undrafted free agents.
BYU’s ability to produce NFL-caliber talent remains evident, even without draft selections. The program continues to develop players who can compete at the highest level, and these seven athletes will look to make the most of their opportunities.
As the offseason progresses, these players will need to work hard, stay focused, and take advantage of every chance they get to impress coaches and scouts. Whether through training camp, preseason games, or practice squad opportunities, they will aim to prove that BYU football remains a strong pipeline to the professional ranks.
The next few months will be crucial for these players as they fight for roster spots and aim to make their mark in the NFL. Cougar fans will be watching closely, hoping to see their former stars succeed at the next level.
