Provo, Utah, isn’t usually on the must-visit list for scouts, coaches, and general managers ahead of the NFL Draft. The 2021 BYU Pro Day will be very different, though, with all eyes on Zach Wilson — one of the top quarterback prospects in this year’s draft.
The BYU Cougars finished the 2020 season with an 11-1 record, with their only loss coming against Coastal Carolina in a battle of undefeated teams. Head coach Kalani Sitake’s team ended the year 16th in the College Football Playoff rankings. To put a stamp on an already unbelievable campaign, the Cougars demolished UCF in the Boca Raton Bowl, 49-23.
When is BYU’s Pro Day in 2021?
The pro day for the BYU Cougars will take place on March 26.
Top BYU prospects working out at pro day
Zach Wilson
Quarterback Zach Wilson is going into the 2021 BYU Pro Day aiming to be the highest-drafted Cougars prospect of all-time. He’s currently ranked 5th on Pro Football Network Chief Draft Analyst Tony Pauline’s big board. In Pauline’s mock draft, Wilson was selected second overall by the New York Jets, believing that the Jets will move on from current starter Sam Darnold.
After a slow start to his college career, Wilson exploded onto the scene in 2020. Thanks to his elite play, he shot up draft boards following the conclusion of the unorthodox season. He completed 73.5% of his passes (247 of 336) for 3,692 yards, 33 touchdowns, and only 3 interceptions. Wilson also rushed 70 times for 254 yards and a whopping 10 touchdowns.
[sv slug=”drizly”]Although his stock is cemented as a top-3 QB in the NFL Draft, Wilson will showcase his talent at BYU’s 2021 Pro Day.
In his scouting report, Pauline says:
“Wilson has been the talk of the town at the quarterback position since December, and his legend continues to grow. He possesses outstanding intangibles, and his ability to quickly process information on and off the field is second to none in this year’s draft. He’s more of a system quarterback for a timing offense, but he will struggle in the vertical game. Wilson has a tremendous future at the next level if put in the proper scheme and properly coached.”
Brady Christensen
Offensive tackle Brady Christensen has declared for the 2021 NFL Draft after a season in which the BYU offensive line was lauded as one of the best in college football.
Pauline believes that he is a “nice-sized, pass-blocking left tackle with good mobility.” He also stated, “Christensen was a solid blindside protector for Zach Wilson, and he offers starting potential at the next level if he improves his playing strength and hand use.” Christensen is currently ranked 108th on Pauline’s big board and needs a strong outing at the 2021 BYU Pro Day to secure his place on Day 2 of the draft.
Khyiris Tonga
Defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga saved his most impressive season as a pass rusher for the last. Despite a shortened senior year, he recorded 3.5 sacks, 3.5 tackles for loss, and 5 passes defended. Upon the conclusion of his stellar season, Tonga declared for the 2021 NFL Draft.
Tonga is currently 206th on Pauline’s big board, earning a sixth-round grade.
Dax Milne
Wide receiver Dax Milne was the main beneficiary of Zach Wilson’s meteoric rise. In an awe-inspiring junior season, Milne was on the receiving end of Wilson’s highlight-reel plays. He quickly became his quarterback’s favorite target, catching 70 passes for 1,188 receiving yards and 8 touchdowns.
He’s currently 277th on Pauline’s big board, but NFL teams may be higher on Milne come April.
Related | NFL Pro Days 2021: List of all college pro days ahead of NFL Draft
However, Wilson, Christensen, Tonga, and Milne aren’t the only prospects at the 2021 BYU Pro Day.
On the offensive side of the ball, tackle Chandon Herring, guard Tristen Hoge, and tight end Matthew Bushman look to capitalize on an untraditional pre-draft process with impressive showings.
As for defensive players, safeties Zayne Anderson, Troy Warner, and Kavika Fonua are in attendance. Cornerback Chris Wilcox, defensive end Zachary Dawe, and outside linebacker Isaiah Kaufusi will also participate.
Want more 2021 NFL Draft prospect news? Want to do your own mock draft?
Dive into PFN’s Free NFL Mock Draft Simulator and test your own drafting acumen. Continue to visit Pro Football Network for NFL news and in-depth analysis. Also, be sure to follow us on Twitter (@PFN365) to stay in the loop on all things college football and the NFL Draft landscape.