Colorado State University Athletics
#NextLevelRams: NFL Update Week 6
10/19/2016 12:00:00 AM | Football
By Grant Larson
Athletics Communications
Colorado State is represented by eight former Rams on current NFL rosters, and one player, Garrett Grayson, on the New Orleans Saints practice squad.
Rashard Higgins and Cory James were drafted by the Cleveland Browns and Oakland Raiders, respectively, and DeAndre Elliott signed as an undrafted free agent with the Seattle Seahawks. All three rookies exceled in both training camp and the preseason, earning spots on their team’s active 53-man rosters. CSU has had multiple NFL Draft picks in each of the past three seasons, including two players drafted in the first three rounds in both 2014 and 2015.
In his third year, Shaquil Barrett has become a mainstay of the defending Super Bowl Champion Denver Broncos’ defense thanks to a tremendous sophomore campaign in which he recorded 50 tackles, 5.5 sacks and four forced fumbles. Weston Richburg of the New York Giants has established himself as one of the league’s best centers, being named to Pro Football Focus’ All-Pro Honorable Mention, as well as grading out as the 89th-best player in the entire league according to PFF. Crockett Gillmore’s signature gritty and hard-nosed playstyle has transitioned seamlessly to the NFL, as he started all 10 games he played in last season, recording 33 receptions with four touchdowns for the Baltimore Ravens. Gillmore also graded out as Pro Football Focus’ second-best tight end. After spending two seasons on the Denver Broncos’ practice squad, Kapri Bibbs beat out veteran running backs Ronnie Hillman and Juwan Thompson in the preseason to earn a spot on the 53-man roster. Second-year offensive lineman Ty Sambrailo started three games at left tackle for the Denver Broncos last year, before being shut down for the season with a shoulder injury, but has returned and started three games at right tackle.
Quarterback Garrett Grayson, a third-round draft pick of the New Orleans Saints in 2015, was waived and subsequently signed to the Saints’ practice squad during the preseason.
Below is a look at what the #NextLevelRams did during Week 5 of the NFL season:
#NextLevelRams overall record: 26-21
Rashard Higgins (Cleveland Browns; 0-6) - wide receiver
Hollywood Higgins pulled in a 14-yard catch in the Browns’ game against the Titans, marking the first reception of the rookie's career. He also recovered an on-side kick in the fourth quarter, but the Cleveland comeback ultimately came up short as the Browns fell, 28-26, to Tennessee.
Cory James (Oakland Raiders; 4-2) - inside linebacker
James continued his impressive rookie campaign on Sunday, recording seven tackles in the Raiders’ 26-10 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. His 33 total tackles on the season rank second amongst Raider players, and third amongst NFL rookies.
DeAndre Elliott (Seattle Seahawks; 4-1) - cornerback
Elliott recorded his first career tackle in the Seahawks’ 26-24 win over the Atlanta Falcons. Seattle is now 4-1, having won three straight, and will look to build upon its strong start this weekend against the division rival Cardinals.
Weston Richburg (New York Giants; 3-3) - center
After dropping three straight, Richburg and the Giants got back in the win column with a 27-23 victory over Crockett Gillmore and the Baltimore Ravens. Richburg and the offensive line helped block the way for 435 yards of total offense, including 397 through the air, and allowed just one sack.
Shaquil Barrett (Denver Broncos; 4-2) - outside linebacker
Barrett recorded one tackle in the Broncos’ 21-13 loss to the San Diego Chargers. The Broncos, who started 4-0, have now dropped two straight, and will look to get back on track next week on Monday Night Football against the Houston Texans.
Crockett Gillmore (Baltimore Ravens; 3-3) - tight end
Played, but did not record any stats in a loss to the New York Giants.
Kapri Bibbs (Denver Broncos; 4-2) - running back
Played in Denver’s loss to the Chargers, but did not record any stats.
Ty Sambrailo (Denver Broncos; 4-2) - offensive lineman
Did not play in a loss to the Chargers.
Garrett Grayson (New Orleans Saints) - quarterback
Did not play; spent week on practice squad
