Rounds 4-7 of the NFL draft came and went Saturday with no BYU football players hearing their names called after linebacker Sione Takitaki was selected in the third round Friday by the Cleveland Browns.
However, at least two other former Cougars will receive opportunities with NFL teams as undrafted free agents.
Defensive end Corbin Kaufusi signed a free-agent deal with the New Orleans Saints, while quarterback Tanner Mangum accepted mini-camp invitations from the Oakland Raiders and Detroit Lions.
“I am grateful for all that Corbin and Tanner have done for BYU, and I am excited they both have the opportunity to pursue playing in the NFL,” said BYU coach Kalani Sitake in a school news release.
The release said more BYU free-agent signings and/or mini-camp invitations could be announced at a later date. Other hopefuls including running backs Brayden El-Bakri, Squally Canada and Matt Hadley, punter Rhett Almond, kicker Andrew Mikkelsen, defensive back Michael Shelton and receiver Dylan Collie.
Kaufusi had three surgeries after the regular season ended and was not able to participate in the NFL Scouting Combine, which possibly limited interest from NFL clubs. The 6-foot-9 two-sport athlete had a team-high 8.5 sacks in 2018.
He also played on BYU’s basketball team for three seasons.
Mangum started in 27 games and played in 34. The product of Eagle, Idaho, threw for 6,262 yards and 39 touchdowns in his BYU career.