NFL Draft Prospects Who Must Step Up In Week 3
Oct 3, 2014; Provo, UT, USA; Brigham Young Cougars linebacker Bronson Kaufusi (90) enters the field prior to the game against the Utah State Aggies at Lavell Edwards Stadium. Utah State won 35-20. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Bronson Kaufusi (DE – Brigham Young) vs. UCLA
BYU has opened the season with two miraculous game-winning heaves into the end zone. While the offense receives all the glory, the defense deserves credit for shutting out both Nebraska and Boise State in the fourth quarter.
The school’s top prospect is senior edge rusher Bronson Kaufusi. The 6-foot-7 Kaufusi has 16.5 career sacks heading into this week’s matchup against UCLA. If BYU, a three score underdog in this game, is going to pull off another shocker, Kaufusi will have to add to that total.
UCLA’s true freshman QB Josh Rosen has only been sacked once so far this season. The Cougars must pressure and hit Rosen in order to keep this game close. That’s where Kaufusi comes in. He only has one sack this year, but like last season, he leads the team in QB hits. The number of times Rosen is sacked isn’t nearly as important as the number of times he is pressured and knocked down. If Kaufusi is able to force Rosen into rushing his throws and making poor decisions, Kai Nacua and the BYU secondary will have a chance to take this game over.
This game will influence Kaufusi’s draft stock for a couple of reasons. First, UCLA is by far the best team BYU will play this season. The NFL wants to see how players perform against the toughest competition, and this is it for Kaufusi. In addition, if BYU does pull off the upset, the school’s chances of going undefeated skyrocket. That means more publicity, more viewers and a better bowl game. Three things that will help his stock if he continues to play well.