One Drafted, Three Signed by NFL Teams

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The 2010 NFL draft was disappointing for BYU fans. The one big prospect, Dennis Pitta, "fell" to the fourth round where the Baltimore Ravens selected him. He was the consensus All-American, had an impressive combine, and had been slated to go in the thrid round of many mock drafts. In the end, the stigma that BYU tight ends can't block hurt Pitta. Several tight ends were selected before Pitta, including the Ravens' third round pick Ed Dickson from Oregon. Maybe I should assume that an NFL team that would use two picks in consecutive rounds on tight ends would have a plan to use both of them, but my gut doesn't agree. I would much rather have seen Pitta go somewhere like Indianapolis, which drafted a tight end in round 5. The Colts spread the field and throw the pigskin around. The Ravens have a commitment to the run. Hopefully, Pitta gets a fair shake. That should be all he needs.

BYU fans expected Manase Tonga, who was rated as one of the top fullbacks, to go late, but he had to settle on a free agent deal with Oakland. Oakland is close to his hometown and he will be reunited with former Cougar David Nixon. It would be nice to see Oakland turn things around. If not, Manase can get some valuable experience and maybe move on to another team in a few years.

Two other Cougars have signed free agent deals: Tight End Andrew George and Quarterback Max Hall. George is headed to the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers draft strongly emphasized the passing game. The Panthers don't have a big name tight end, but none of the TEs on the roster are very old. I like George and hope he finds a spot on the roster, and given some time can break into the starting line up.

Max Hall signed with his hometown Arizona Cardinals. That was one team I listed as a possibility for Hall before the draft. I like Hall's chances here to make the team, and with a streak of luck, he may one day start and have a solid career. As of now, the targets that he would get to throw to if he was the starter are Larry Fitzgerald, Steve Breaston, and Early Doucet. Hard to complain about that situation.

To these four and all the other former Cougars in the NFL, I am hoping for continued football success in 2010. To all former members of the 2009 team, I say thank you for your contributions while at the Y.

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