Chase Roberts: The BYU Captain Solidifying His NFL Draft Value
Chase Roberts: The BYU Captain Solidifying His NFL Draft Value
BYU’s transition into the Big 12 has been a journey defined by grit, and no player has embodied that more than senior wide receiver Chase Roberts. As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, scheduled for April 23-25, the former Cougars captain is generating significant buzz following a standout performance throughout the 2025 season and a high-octane Pro Day in Provo. Roberts has transitioned from a highly touted recruit into a legitimate pro prospect, often described by coaches as a "defensive nightmare" for opposing secondaries.
The Cougars finished their 2025 campaign with a stellar 12-2 record, a performance that culminated in a thrilling 25-21 victory over Georgia Tech in the Pop-Tarts Bowl. Throughout this run, Roberts served as the primary aerial threat, hauling in crucial touchdowns and acting as a security blanket for the BYU offense. His career totals are a testament to his consistency: 170 receptions, 2,586 yards, and 18 touchdowns across 49 career games. In 2025 alone, his production earned him All-Big 12 Third Team honors and a prestigious invitation to the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.
Pro Day Surge: Shaving the Seconds
During the recent BYU Pro Day on March 20, 2026, Roberts addressed the primary question lingering in the minds of NFL scouts: his top-end speed. After recording a 4.64-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine—a time some considered slow for a wideout—Roberts returned to his home turf and delivered a more respectable 4.51-second sprint. This improvement, combined with his 6-foot-3, 209-pound frame, has forced evaluators to take a second look at his potential as a physical "Z" receiver or a big slot option at the next level.
Scouts have praised Roberts for his "football speed," noting that he plays faster on tape than his testing numbers might suggest. His ability to win contested catches and track the ball in the air has made him a favorite among quarterback-needy teams looking for a reliable target who can move the chains. His Relative Athletic Score (RAS) in the explosion categories was particularly high, indicating a player who can jump and accelerate effectively in short bursts.
Leadership and the BYU Legacy
Beyond the statistics, Roberts has been lauded for his intangibles. A two-time team captain, he has been a pillar of the BYU Cougars program under head coach Kalani Sitake. His maturity—bolstered by a two-year mission trip to Canada prior to his college career—is seen as a major asset for NFL front offices seeking low-risk, high-character individuals. Sitake has frequently described Roberts as one of the greatest leaders he has ever coached, highlighting his ability to execute any role asked of him on the field.
As the draft clock ticks down, Roberts is projected by many analysts as a late-round selection or a high-priority undrafted free agent. However, with several teams like the Dallas Cowboys reportedly scouting him as a potential specialist for tough catches over the middle, his stock could rise even further. Whether he is hauling in a one-handed touchdown or providing a veteran presence in a young locker room, Roberts has proven that he is ready for the professional stage.
