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| Jason Andersen (67) had the most successful NFL career of the three BYU Cougars drafted in 1998 (Courtesy Patriots.com). |
The 2018 NFL Draft begins tomorrow night. In anticipation, let's look back 20 years at the NFL Draft that was a joyful occasion for three former BYU Cougars.
BYU had a rather disappointing season in 1997 (6-5), but that didn't get in the way of the New York Jets and New England Patriots finding something valuable in Provo. The Jets really liked what they saw and selected offensive lineman Eric Bateman and fullback/tight end Dustin Johnson. The Patriots scooped up center Jason Andersen.
On January 8, 1998, Bateman announced he would not return for his senior season, and made himself eligible for the draft. The 6-foot-7, 285 pound lineman had started 12 games for BYU during the special 1996 season and all 11 games of the 1997 season. He was just Second Team All-WAC his junior season. However, Bateman had already redshirted and served a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, so he was probably worried about age being a factor.
While Bateman wasn't an early draft pick, it wasn't the worst decision in the world to leave BYU a year early. He was still the first Cougar off the board when the Jets selected him in the fifth round with the 149th overall pick.
The Jets came back the next round and grabbed Johnson with the 183rd pick. The 6-foot-3, 230 pound Johnson had gained 427 yards rushing with a 6.3 yards per carry average during his BYU career. He also caught 66 passes for 883 yards and four touchdowns.
In the seventh and final round, the New England Patriots grabbed Andersen with the 211th pick. Andersen had been a valuable asset for BYU on the offensive line. During his career he played guard, tackle, and center. His senior season, he did not allow a single sack.
Andersen would play in 16 games for the Patriots over the next three seasons. He then bounced around the league (Miami Dolphins, Kansas City Chiefs) playing in three more games before his career ended after the 2002 season.
The Editor appreciates all feedback. He can be reached via email at bluecougarfootball@gmail.com
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