Colorado State University Athletics
#NextLevelRams: NFL Update
9/23/2015 12:00:00 AM | Football
Colorado State is represented by seven former Rams on current NFL rosters and one player, Kapri Bibbs, on the Denver Broncos practice squad. This offseason saw offensive tackle Erik Pears signed by the San Francisco 49ers after a four-year stint with the Buffalo Bills, and Shelley Smith signed by the Denver Broncos after spending the previous season with the Miami Dolphins.
Ty Sambrailo was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the second round, and has started at left tackle through the preseason and first two games of the regular season, and quarterback Garrett Grayson was selected in the third round by the New Orleans Saints.
In his second year, Shaquil Barrett has become a mainstay of the Broncos defense after a tremendous preseason in which he recorded 16 tackles, four sacks, and a forced fumble. After spending his rookie season at left guard, Weston Richburg of the New York Giants has returned to his natural position of center, and Crockett Gillmore remains a starting tight end for the Baltimore Ravens.
Below is a look at what the #NextLevelRams did during Week 2 of the NFL season:
Crockett Gillmore (Baltimore Ravens) - five catches for 88 yards and two touchdowns
Crockett Gillmore had the best game of his career on Sunday, registering five catchess for 88 yards and two touchdowns. The first touchdown was a 26-yard strike on a seam route, and the second was a nine-yard catch and run in which Gillmore carried three Raiders defenders with him into the end zone. Despite Gillmore's career day, the Ravens came up short, losing to the Oakland Raiders, 37-33.
Ty Sambrailo (Denver Broncos) - started at left tackle
The Broncos improved to 2-0 on the season, with Sambrailo starting both games at left tackle. While protecting the blind side of future hall of famer Peyton Manning is no small task, Sambrailo has fared well matching up against All-Pro pass rushers Terrell Suggs and Tamba Hali in his first two career games.
Weston Richburg (New York Giants) - started at center
The Giants are off to a slow start in 2015, falling to 0-2 on the season with Sunday's loss to the Atlanta Falcons. Richburg, however, has been a bright spot for them, earning praise from multiple analysts. Most notably, Matt Miller, the lead scout and draft analyst for Bleacher Report, stated after Sunday's performance, "Richburg has been very good this year. He has a very bright future at center".
Shaquil Barrett (Denver Broncos) - second string outside linebacker
While Shaquil Barrett saw limited action against the Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday night, he was very effective backing up All-Pro linebacker Von Miller, registering a quarterback hurry as well as assisting on a tackle which caused Jamal Charles to fumble the football. Barrett has three assisted tackles on the season as well as two quarterback hurries.
Erik Pears (San Francisco 49ers) - starting right tackle
Erik Pears made his second consecutive start at right tackle in the 49ers' loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. In San Francisco's Week 1 win against the Minnesota Vikings, however, Pears helped block the way for running back Carlos Hyde who, rushed for 168 yards and two touchdowns.
Garrett Grayson (New Orleans Saints) - backup quarterback
Garrett Grayson did not play in Sunday's loss to the Buccaneers, but could see action in Week 3 depending on the severity of starting quarterback Drew Brees' shoulder injury.
Shelley Smith (Denver Broncos) - reserve offensive lineman
Shelley Smith was a healthy scratch for the Broncos in a win over the Kansas City Chiefs.
