BYU Football: NFL Draft Projections for Former Cougars

The NFL draft is only hours away, and several former Brigham Young Cougars hope to hear their names called. Despite an extremely deep draft class, there are a few Cougs that have a great chance of being selected.

But where will they land? No one knows for certain, but several experts have predicted solid placements for the BYU players. Read on to find out where they may be drafted.

Kyle Van Noy

Kyle Van Noy left BYU as arguably the best linebacker in Cougar history, although his placement in the draft may not suggest so. Bleacher Report's Matt Miller predicted that Van Noy will fall to the 52nd pick (second round) and be drafted by Arizona.

The Cardinals currently have John Abraham as their starting weak-side linebacker, so unless they have plans to deal him, Van Noy may be stuck as a backup for years to come. Arizona primarily runs a 3-4 defense, similar to BYU, but there are better fits for Van Noy.

Van Noy definitely has the potential to be taken as high as the first round. It will come down to which teams need a pass-rusher and are willing to use an early pick.

Cody Hoffman

USA TODAY Sports

Statistically speaking, Cody Hoffman is the best receiver in BYU history. But with a poor performance at the combine and questionable potential, he may fall all the way to the draft's final round.

Matt Miller predicts that Hoffman will be selected with the 230th pick, going to Pittsburgh. The Steelers started two receivers in 2013 who stand under six feet tall (Markus Wheaton and Antonio Brown), so a 6'4" target like Hoffman may be exactly what they need.

Hoffman may not immediately start, but wearing black and yellow could be beneficial.

Uani 'Unga, Daniel Sorensen and Eathyn Manumaleuna

Unfortunately, Miller predicted that only two former Cougars will be taken in this year's draft—Van Noy and Hoffman. The other three Cougs who received combine invitations will hope to hear their names called over the weekend, but if that doesn't happen, a free-agent contract could be possible.

The NFL is a business. For athletes, all they can do is work their hardest on the field and hope for good results. I'd bet that every former Cougar has done all they can to be drafted, and the best of luck goes out to them.