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The 2012 NFL Draft gets underway Thursday night at 6:00 pm MT. By all accounts, Matt Reynolds and Hebron "Loni" Fangupo are the most likely BYU Cougars to be taken during the three-day event.
There are several other Cougars hoping to hear their names called, whether it be via the draft or free agency. Among them are Terence Brown, Jordan Pendleton, McKay Jacobson, Travis Uale, Matt Putnam, Jamison Frazier, Corby Eason and JJ DiLuigi.
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Reynolds decided to come back for his senior season in Provo despite being touted as a 1st round draft pick in last year's draft. Reynolds' stock has dropped in most scouts' minds but Reynolds has said he doesn't regret his decision to come back for the 2011 season. I've seen many mock drafts and most have Matt coming off the board anywhere between the 3rd and 6th rounds.
NFL.com does a great job of analyzing each and every draft prospect. Here's what they had to say about Matt.
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Overview
Reynolds has started every game he's played for BYU after two years on a mission, progressing into a quality prospect. He is a bit undersized for the position and could potentially be moved inside where his height wouldn't inhibit him. He has fifth- or sixth-round talent.
Strengths
Reynolds shows power when run blocking and is able to snap off the line of scrimmage into his man quickly and leg drive sufficiently. He has decent athletic ability but is able to get upfield nicely and position on linebackers, which encourages a switch inside even more.
Weaknesses
Reynolds is quick off the ball but a bit of a slow mover once working upfield. He can fall off blocks at times and needs to show that he can sustain at the next level. Like many BYU prospects, he will be older than the average rookie because of his Latter Day Saints mission
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Fangupo, who only played one season with the Cougars, is also getting quite a bit of attention in the later rounds.
It seems that most people have been impressed with his strength; that's easy to believe since he measured at 6'1", 323 lbs. at the combine.
Here's what NFL.com had to say about Fangupo. --
Overview
Fangupo is a lane clogger, and although his play can seem uninspired at times, he actually is very effective in this role and should look to do the same for a 3-4 scheme at the next level. A transfer to BYU by way of USC and Mount San Antonio Community College, Fangupo is an older player who never got a strong chance to establish himself with any team at the collegiate level. He could be a late riser, as he is said to have serious strength for the position. Look for a team with a schematic fit for Fangupo to select him in the late rounds.
Strengths
Fangupo does not display proper footwork and has limited athletic ability, but his strength is evident, as he is able to occupy two blockers with absolute ease at times. Strength is his whole game and will define his value and effectiveness at the next level.
Weaknesses
Fangupo is an extremely slow mover. He doesn't even show poor footwork; he shows no footwork. He is reliable only to come off the ball slowly and hold up blockers. His size, body type and injury history don't indicate that he will get better here.
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Good luck to Matt, Hebron and all the Cougars in the NFL Draft. We'll all be watching and waiting to hear your name called.
Round 1: Thursday, April 26 (6 p.m. MT)
Rounds 2-3: Friday, April 27 (5 p.m. MT)
Rounds 4-7: Saturday, April 28 (10 a.m. MT)
*TV coverage on ESPN and NFL Network
