Former BYU wide receiver Chase Roberts is set to capitalize on his first professional opportunity after signing with the Las Vegas Raiders as an undrafted free agent. He will also aim to build chemistry with Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Chase Roberts Looks to Carve Out NFL Role After Joining Raiders as UDFA
Roberts joins the Raiders alongside former BYU teammates Tanner Wall and Isaiah Jatta. There is discussion around whether he can carve out a meaningful role at the professional level despite not being selected in the draft.
“Chase Roberts needs to be in the NFL,” a BYUtv Sports Nation analyst said. “To me, Chase Roberts is one of the top five receivers in BYU history. He needs to be in the league. And can he pull off a Puka Nacua type thing in that? I’m not saying to be one of the best in the NFL. I’m saying be a late-round or undrafted free agent guy and have an impact.
“Of note, I saw a stat that blew me away during the NFL draft. 63% of the league shep is 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th round or undrafted free agents. That’s what the league is. You build a roster on that Saturday with draft picks, late, and undrafted guys. And so let’s see if these guys can’t become the next dudes in BYU history to do that.”
Both Nacua and Roberts are big-bodied receivers who lack elite 40-yard dash times but make up for it with their frame and positioning. Roberts was already BYU’s primary target in 3rd-and-long situations, which mirror Nacua’s role as the reliable chain-mover.
Scouts have pointed out areas Roberts is expected to improve to stick at the next level. One concern is ball security, as he was credited with eight drops in his final year. Undrafted receivers often need near-flawless reliability in the NFL to earn a quarterback’s trust and secure a roster spot.
NFL analyst Lance Zierlein also offered a depth evaluation of Roberts’ game.
“Roberts is a two-time captain who has stair-stepped his production in each season at BYU,” Zierlein wrote. “He has good size and adequate speed, but won’t be an NFL separator on deep throws. He runs routes with good disguise and above-average technique.
“He lacks foot quickness for easy press release, but has the footwork necessary to get in and out of breaks cleanly over the first two levels. He plays tough through contact and is an above-average combat-catch winner. He’s slow to gain positioning on 50/50s downfield, though.”
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Roberts’ final college season in 2025 helped BYU produce one of its strongest seasons, finishing 12-2 with one of the best resumes in program history. He played a big role in that success and earned All-Big 12 Third Team honors while posting a 78.7 grade in the PFSN College Football WR Impact Metric.
Roberts finished his BYU career with 170 receptions for 2,586 yards and 18 touchdowns, including back-to-back 800+ yard seasons in 2024 and 2025. He will now potentially follow the path of other successful undrafted receivers who have made their mark in the league.
