Three Former Cougars Selected in Latest ESPN Mock Draft
We are just under one month away from the 2023 NFL Draft. Multiple former Cougars are hoping to here their names called in the draft. In the most recent ESPN seven-round mock draft, three former Cougars were projected to be drafted in the first six rounds.
Blake Freeland - Washington Commanders
After a record-setting performance at the NFL Combine, Blake Freeland has risen up NFL Draft boards. In ESPN's mock draft, Freeland was selected by the Washington Commanders in the middle of the second round (47th overall). ESPN analyst Jordan Reid said, "Big and quick blockers like Freeland rarely make it out of the second round...Freeland's consistency as a pass protector -- he allowed just one sack in 12 starts last season -- could be appealing for the Commanders, who allowed 48 sacks last season, which was seventh-worst in the NFL. He could challenge Charles Leno at left tackle, but he also could move over to right tackle."
Puka Nacua - Arizona Cardinals
Credit: BYU Photo
Puka Nacua was the next former Cougar selected in the mock draft. Nacua was projected to be taken by the Arizona Cardinals at the start of the sixth round. When healthy, Nacua was one of the most electric wide receivers in BYU history. Nacua averaged 11.4 yards per touch in 2022.
Jaren Hall - New England Patriots
Jaren Hall was the last BYU player to come off the board. Hall was selected in the middle of the sixth round by the New England Patriots. At BYU, Hall threw for 6,174 passing yards and 52 touchdowns to just 11 interceptions. He also added 800 yards and 9 touchdowns on the ground. Hall totaled nine games in his career of 300 passing yards or more.
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