When the NFL draft ended Saturday night, not a single member
of the 2011 Brigham Young Cougars football squad was associated with an NFL
team. Later that night, three former Cougars signed free-agent contracts and
one more signed a contract on Sunday.
Offensive tackle Matt Reynolds signed a deal with the
Carolina Panthers, fellow offensive lineman Terrence Brown with the Miami
Dolphins, defensive lineman Hebron Fangupo signed with the Houston
Texans, and on Sunday, wide receiver McKay Jacobson signed with the
Philadelphia Eagles.
While no Cougars were picked up by teams in
this year’s draft, this does not degrade the athletes to future NFL flops. Many
undrafted free-agents have gone on to do remarkable things in the NFL in recent
years. In 2010, running back LeGarrette Blount,
undrafted out of Oregon
Each Cougar who signed this
year finds himself in a unique but positive position. Reynolds, who just a year
ago was projected to be a late first or early second round pick, will find
himself joining a young, up-and-coming Carolina team and will have the chance
to block for the likes of Cam Newton and Jonathan Stewart. Even though his
draft stock dropped this season, the Panthers no doubt saw his competitiveness
in the Armed Forces Bowl when, after being knocked to the ground and losing his
helmet, he got back up to stalk down a defensive lineman and lay down a
punishing block, allowing Riley Nelson to throw for a touchdown. That firepower
could be just what Reynolds needs to earn him a spot in the rotation. Reynolds is the first BYU player to sign with the Panthers
since tight end Andrew George signed a free-agent offer following the 2010 NFL
Draft.
The other former Cougars also
find themselves in encouraging situations. Brown joins a Dolphins team that
spent much of its draft revamping its offensive firepower, including picking up
quarterback Ryan Tannehill with the eighth overall pick. With Brown joining the Dolphins, there is now a trio of BYU
Cougars on the roster. Long snapper John Denny and fellow offensive lineman Ray
Feinga are the others.
Fangupo will join the defending
AFC South champions Houston
Texans, just as Blue Cougar Football thought could happen (see post from April 24). The Texans had the fourth ranked run defense in the NFL last season and
look to be a promising team in the next few years. Although the Texans have only been in Houston
Jacobson will join maybe the
most athletic team in the league, the Philadelphia Eagles. With Jacobson’s
speed and athleticism, he seems a perfect fit to join that offense. Eagles’
head coach Andy Reid is a BYU graduate and has likely taken interest in
Jacobson’s skill set. Jacobson’s versatility as a punt and kickoff returner
could open the door for him to fill a role similar to Reno Mahe. After his BYU
career, Mahe landed with the Eagles and led the NFL averaging 12.8 yards per punt
return in 2005.
These four players will take part
in mini-camps and summer camps and will look not only to make their respective
teams’ rosters, but have an impact at the next level.
A few other Cougars are still
hoping to catch a break and sign NFL deals in the coming days. Those who
participated in BYU’s Pro Day that have yet to sign include running back JJ
DiLuigi, linebackers Jamison Frazier and Jordan Pendleton, safety Travis Uale
and defensive end Matt Putnam.
The Editor appreciates all feedback. He can be reached via email at bluecougarfootball@gmail.com
Comments
Post a Comment