I've heard from multiple former BYU guys, some that played with Luke and others that just played in the NFL for years before Staley who observed things that the common fan cannot see and they have all said that Staley was "soft" or just not tough enough for the NFL. It could be seen in his blocking (taking on rushing downhill linebackers and DE's) as well as his willingness/ability to rush down hill between the tackles with an attitude (like Harvey, JW).

Brady Poppinga has brought up some additional insight that I didn't know regarding Luke's lack of passion for the game of football but now that he mentions it, I think it totally makes sense now. Specifically, i've heard from a very well known older former BYU player who was a pro bowler in the NFL say that he knew Luke wouldn't last in the NFL from observing him taking on blocks from rushing LBs/DT. Said that Luke looked hesitant and soft. Said that the NFL would sniff that out and eat him alive.

Not saying that Luke wasn't a phenomenal athlete and also one of the greats at BYU, but I am saying that Brady isn't the only former NFLer that is saying that Luke was "soft". I trust these guys much more than I trust us fans.