Amongst an intriguing receiver class ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft is BYU's Chase Roberts, who twice led the Cougars in receiving yards after Puka Nacua made the step up to the league
20:44 ET, 28 Feb 2026
Chase Roberts put together a fine body of work across his BYU career
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Chase Roberts put together a fine body of work across his BYU career(Image: Getty Images)
Chase Roberts hopes to emulate former BYU star Puka Nacua’s seamless transition to the NFL — but he will do it in his own way.
The NFL Scouting Combine has given 319 prospects the opportunity to impress scouts and franchises in Indianapolis before the NFL Draft in April. One of the names who hoped to turn heads was Roberts, although he is used to going under the radar.
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The tricky wideout steadily improved his production each season of his BYU career. His size is solid, but Roberts’ speed means the way he will separate from defensive backs in the NFL is via his route-running.
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This is where Roberts thrives as a prospect. He runs routes with good disguise and displays fine technique, leaning on his footwork to get in and out of breaks cleanly. Mesh this with toughness and fierce mentality, as well as a deceptively impressive ability to win catches through contact, and Roberts could thrive as a sleeper weapon for the right NFL offense. Perhaps he could even replicate Julian Edelman, given that he interviewed well with the New England Patriots.
“I met with a lot of teams. The interviews went really well,” Roberts exclusively told Mirror U.S. Sports. “I feel like the Patriots were awesome, and the Ravens, the Bills. A lot of different teams stand out.
“A lot of East Coast teams, so a little bit colder there. I'm not super happy about that. I’m just kidding. I'm excited to play wherever I get drafted, and I'm ready to go. I’ve given it my all, and it's been an amazing experience to be able to get to this point. Looking back on myself as a little kid, I couldn't imagine being where I am.”
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Chase Roberts revealed he met with the Patriots at the Combine
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Roberts revealed he met with the Patriots at the Combine(Image: Getty Images)
When asked to outline why his game will translate to the NFL, Roberts said: “My instincts, my size. Obviously, I have the measurables to play in the NFL, but then being able to see the field so well, being able to fit in zone, and then going and catching the ball. I feel like I have sure hands that translate well to the NFL level.”
Roberts played his entire four-year collegiate career at BYU. He was a captain for the Cougars in 2025, a season in which he turned 54 catches into 802 receiving yards and six touchdowns. He tallied 2,586 yards and 18 touchdowns across his time in college football.
Given his connection to BYU, Roberts crossed paths with Los Angeles Rams phenom Puka Nacua. He suggested he always knew the All-Pro would thrive in the league.
“We knew he was special for sure,” Roberts said with a smile. “It’s been awesome to see him get in such an awesome position on the Rams, have a quarterback like Matthew Stafford to really show what Puka can be. And he's been able to do that. I knew he was going to be a stud and do what he's doing.
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“Puka got the opportunity to play with Cooper Kupp, too. He’s one of the guys I’ve watched a lot of and take a lot of inspiration from, so I was like, ‘I wish I were Puka right now.’ Cooper’s been a great guy to watch, and I hope to emulate a lot of what he does.”