BYU Football: Will the Cougars' Four Free Agents Have Success in the NFL?

Although no Cougars were selected in the NFL draft, four players from BYU did sign free agent contracts with teams. Will these former Cougars find success in the new league, or will they be busts?

Each of the free agents found relative success at BYU, but the NFL is a completely different level. It may be early, but here are predictions for all four of their NFL careers.

McKay Jacobson, Philadelphia Eagles

McKay Jacobson entered BYU as a hyped recruit and was a starter for much of his sophomore and junior seasons. Although his playing time saw a decrease in his senior season (due to great play by Cody Hoffman and Ross Apo), Jacobson has the speed to be a successful slot receiver

Even though he will be playing under former Cougar Andy Reid, Jacobson may not make contributions quickly, as the Eagles currently have experienced wide receivers in DeSean Jackson and Riley Cooper.

As Jacobson stands at only 5'11", he doesn't have the size to be a successful NFL player. Expect to see him buried in the depth chart for the next few years.

Matt Reynolds, Carolina Panthers

Although Matt Reynolds was projected as a late-round pick, his name was never called and he signed a free agent contract with the Panthers. While at BYU, he was on the Outland Trophy watch list, a Lombardi Award candidate, and a Lowe's Senior Class Award nominee. Reynolds started every game he played in at BYU.

Matt Reynolds could make an impact quickly in a shallow Carolina offensive line. Starting tackle Jeff Otah has faced knee problems the past few seasons, so Reynolds could fill the void at left tackle.

Reynolds has the size and ability to become a successful NFL lineman within the next few years.

Terence Brown, Miami Dolphins

Terence Brown was named to the Rimington Award watch list before his senior season and started 39 straight games for BYU. Since the conclusion of the 2011 football season, Brown has shaved off 25 pounds and become a quicker and more agile lineman.

Although Brown has the size of an NFL guard/center, he had trouble in shotgun snaps and blocking off of a snap. If Terence Brown will have success in the new league, he will have to play guard. Unfortunately, I cannot see a long career for Brown in the NFL.

Hebron "Loni" Fangupo, Houston Texans

In Hebron Fangupo's only season at BYU, he totaled 26 tackles with six tackles for loss, three quarterback hurries and two pass breakups. As a 6'1", 323-pound defensive lineman, Fangupo has the size to be a defensive threat.

With only two experienced defensive tackles on the Texans' roster, Fangupo could make a quick impact on the Houston team. With the size and athletic capabilities he has, Hebron Fangupo could be another successful player in the NFL.