2013 NFL Draft Prospects: BYU

These are the school’s prospects for the 2013 NFL Draft by status * – denotes 2014 prospect ** – denotes 2015 prospect.

This page was last updated April 24, 2013. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.

Ezekiel Ansah, DE, BYU
Height: 6-5. Weight: 274. Arm: 34 5/8. Hand: 10.
40 Time: 4.63.
Projected Round (2013): Top-20 Pick.
4/24/13: There is a lot of variety in the opinions on Ansah. Some see him as a legitimate top-10 pick while others view him as a mid-first-rounder. There is the possibility for him to slide on draft day.

Ansah is this year’s version of Chandler Jones or Jason Pierre-Paul; great athletes with little college production who go in the first round of the draft. Like those two edge-rushers, Ansah is a tremendous athlete with a rare combination of size, speed and power.

The Senior Bowl week could be indicative of how Ansah’s career will trend in the NFL. He was quiet early in the week while getting his bearings against the higher level of competition. Ansah steadily improved from there to flash his superb athletic skill with the size, power and speed to be a force. By the end of the week, he was dominant.

Ansah can beat offensive tackles with speed or power. Once he develops more pass-rushing moves and the ability to use his hands in combination with his feet, he could be deadly. The senior totaled 62 tackles, 13 tackles for a loss, 4.5 sacks, nine passes broken up, a forced fumble and an interception in 2012. He exploded on the scene after making a grand total of 10 tackles as a junior and sophomore.

Ansah showed off his superb athleticism at the Combine with a great 40 time and explosiveness. He could function as an end in a 4-3 defense or an outside linebacker in a 3-4.

Braden Hansen, C/G, BYU
Height: 6-6. Weight: 310.
Projected 40 Time: 5.10.
Projected Round (2013): 7-FA.
4/24/13: Hansen had a quality season playing center, but didn’t stand out when taking on Utah defensive tackle Star Lotulelei. Hansen hurt his groin and missed the end of a close loss to Notre Dame. The offense really missed him. The injury also caused him to be out the next game.

Hansen finished the year well with a strong bowl performance. He did not participate in the East-West Shrine, Senior Bowl or Combine.

8/24/12: Hansen was an instant starter as a freshman, and has started every game at guard the past three seasons. He was named an All-MWC honorable mention as a sophomore.

BYU has had a strong running game, and Hansen has opened a lot of holes for the Cougars. He’s also been a reliable pass-blocker. Hansen is a well-rounded guard, but is not overwhelming at the line of scrimmage.