The 10 Highest-Graded Players From BYU's 2023 Season

Some of the best individual performers from BYU's 2023 season

BYU's 2023 season came to an end on Saturday when the Cougars fell to Oklahoma State in overtime. With the inaugural Big 12 season officially in the rear-view mirror, here are the 10 highest-graded players from the 2023 season (100 snaps minimum).

1. Siale Esera - 74.4

Credit: BYU Photo

It's not common for a true freshman to be the highest-graded player on a college football team, but that's exactly what Siale Esera did as a true freshman for BYU this season. When he was on the field, Esera was downright dynamic. He missed multiple games due to injury, but when he was available, he proved that he will be a future star in this BYU defense.

If there's a silver lining to the disappointing finish to the season, it's that BYU is slowly building a young core of players to build around in the future. Esera is one of the most important players in BYU's core of future stars.

2. Tyler Batty - 74.2

Credit: BYU Photo

Tyler Batty was the most consistent performer on the BYU defense this season according to Pro Football Focus. Batty finished the season with 33 total pressure (more than double the next highest player), 6 sacks, and 24 stops.

As a defense, BYU didn't get after the quarterback enough. It was a major weakness for this BYU football team - the Cougars ranked 129th in team sacks out of 133 FBS teams. Tyler Batty, however, was the lone bright spot from the BYU pass rush.

3. John Nelson - 74.1

John Nelson's absence was an underrated storyline during BYU's losing streak. Nelson missed the last six games due to injury. During the first half of the season,  Nelson was one of the highest-graded players on the team. The defense didn't play as well without Nelson in the lineup.

4. Chase Roberts - 71.5

Credit: BYU Photo

Chase Roberts led BYU in receiving with 573 yards this season. He also led the Cougars in receiving touchdowns. Roberts took a step forward in terms of his ability to gain yards after the catch. Roberts will go into next season as one of BYU's most important players.

5. Kedon Slovis - 70.8

Kedon Slovis had some ups and downs, but he was one of the highest-graded players this season. Slovis will always be respected by BYU fans for his contributions. He finished the season with 1,716 passing yards and 15 total touchdowns in eight starts.

6. LJ Martin - 70.4

Credit: BYU Photo

True freshman running back LJ Martin led BYU in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns in 2023. Martin has the potential to be a future star for the Cougars.

7. Brayden Keim - 70.3

Brayden Keim started the year as a backup before he took over the starting right tackle spot. Assuming Keim returns next season, he will be a starter along the offensive line. Keim was the most consistent performer along the offensive line according to PFF.

8. Blake Mangelson - 69.3

Blake Mangelson quietly had a nice season for the BYU defense. He finished the year ranked third in total pressures with 11. He also had 15 stops and was a reliable tackler.

9. Mory Bamba - 67.9

Cornerback Mory Bamba started a few games for BYU this season. He impressed the evaluators at PFF in his limited reps. He only allowed three receptions on eight targets. His reception rate (37.5%) was the lowest among the cornerbacks.

10. Crew Wakley - 67.6

Credit: BYU Photo

Crew Wakley was the surprise of the season. Wakley emerged as one of BYU's best players on defense during the season. Wakley was just a sophomore in 2023. He will factor into the rotation for the rest of his BYU career.

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