NFL Draft: Brady Christensen Drafted 70th Overall by Carolina Panthers

Zach Wilson’s former protector at left tackle, Brady Christensen, is now headed to Carolina as the Panthers selected him with the 70th overall pick in the third round. The former 2-star recruit is BYU’s first offensive lineman drafted since Scott Young was picked in 2005.

Christensen was a key part of BYU’s success this season as they capped off an 11-1 campaign, just a yard short at Coastal Carolina from a perfect season. He helped pave the way for one of the most explosive offenses in all of college football. The Cougars ranked sixth in total offense, eighth in passing yards per game, and ninth in scoring. The most telling stat for Christensen is BYU allowed the ninth-least sacks per game in 2020.

Christensen had the responsibility of keeping quarterback and future first round pick Zach Wilson clean and healthy in the pocket—he did that masterfully. In 409 pass-blocking snaps in 2020, Christensen allowed just one sack and three pressures. This earned him consensus first-team All-American honors.

Pro Football Focus fell in love with his talents and production, slapping a robust 96.2 overall grade on his 2020 season—the highest ever given to a left tackle prospect. PFF ranked Christensen No. 8 in their list of top 100 players of the 2020 college football season.

Now he heads to Carolina to protect Sam Darnold. Good luck, Brady!