Chase Roberts and Jack Kelly might be the heroes BYU football fans have been waiting for – but not everyone agrees on why. After the Cougars went completely unnoticed in the 2025 NFL Draft, this year’s event could finally break the silence… and opinions are already clashing. Let’s dive into how these two standouts performed at the NFL Combine, what scouts really think, and why their college careers might matter more than you expect.
Chase Roberts: The Polished Route-Runner With a Speed Debate
At first glance, Roberts’ Combine numbers seem… average. A 4.64-second 40-yard dash (34th among WRs) and a 1.6-second 10-yard split (30th) won’t make highlight reels. But dig deeper: his 37-inch vertical (15th) and 10’6” broad jump (16th) prove explosive power. Scouts are split: NFL analyst Lance Zierlein praises Roberts’ “above-average technique” in route-running and gritty 50/50 catch battles, but warns his lack of explosive deep speed might relegate him to possession receiver roles. Here’s the elephant in the room: At 23 years old, is Roberts’ age working against him in a league obsessed with upside?
The BYU Legacy: Over four seasons, Roberts climbed to 8th in program history with 170 catches and 7th with 2,586 receiving yards. As team captain the past two years, he racked up 10 TDs and 800+ yards twice – earning Third Team All-Big 12 honors in 2025. But here’s what draftniks miss: His leadership in BYU’s transition to the Big 12 might matter more than stat lines.
Jack Kelly: The Aggressive Linebacker Who Can’t Escape His Arms
Kelly turned heads with a 4.57 40-yard dash (8th among LBs) and a blistering 4.19 20-yard shuttle (1st!). His 7.12 3-cone drill time (7th) shows elite agility. Yet analysts fixate on his 32-inch arms – a full inch shorter than ideal for linebackers. Zierlein calls Kelly “a bull in a china shop” with a powerful punch but warns he “gets stuck on blockers like gum on a shoe.” And this is where fans disagree: Can his 28-career sacks (including 15 at BYU) overcome length concerns?
The Transfer Success Story: After transferring from Weber State, Kelly exploded into First Team All-Big 12 honors in 2025, becoming BYU’s first 10-sack player in a decade. Over five college seasons, he racked up 185 tackles, 28 sacks, and nine forced fumbles. But here’s the twist: Some scouts believe his best NFL role might be as a special teams ace rather than a starter.
The Big Question: Scheme Fit vs. Raw Talent
Roberts’ age and Kelly’s arm length have become lightning rods in draft circles. Meanwhile, both players face the same challenge: translating college success into NFL readiness. With Roberts’ route-running smarts and Kelly’s explosive pass-rushing potential, could they outperform Combine metrics? Or will teams stick to “athletic prototypes”?
We want your take: Is Chase Roberts’ leadership more valuable than his 40-time? Should Jack Kelly embrace a hybrid EDGE role to bypass linebacker limitations? Drop your hot takes below – the debate is just getting started!
