Colorado State University Athletics
#NextLevelRams: NFL Update Week 12
11/30/2016 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 12 of the NFL season:
#NextLevelRams overall record: 51-37-1
Weston Richburg (New York Giants; 8-3) - center
Richburg and the Giants picked up their sixth consecutive win on Sunday, beating the Cleveland Browns 27-13. The offensive line helped block for 296 yards of total offense, and again, Richburg graded out as one of Pro Football Focus’ best offensive lineman of the week. Given his terrific junior campaign, Richburg is one of three #NextLevelRams to be eligible for the 2017 Pro Bowl fan vote, all of whom can be voted for here. The Giants will look to continue their hot streak on Sunday when they take on the Pittsburg Steelers.
Cory James (Oakland Raiders; 9-2) - inside linebacker
James looks to have earned back his spot in the Raiders’ linebacking rotation, posting four tackles in Oakland’s win over the Carolina Panthers. With 43 tackles in his rookie season, James is the only Oakland inside linebacker to be nominated for the Pro Bowl.
Crockett Gillmore (Baltimore Ravens; 6-5) - tight end
Gillmore did not play in Baltimore’s win over the Cincinnati Bengals, missing his fifth consecutive game with a thigh injury. Despite missing a portion of the season, Gillmore is still eligible for the Pro Bowl fan vote as he continues to stand out as one of the league’s premier blocking tight ends.
Rashard Higgins (Cleveland Browns; 0-12) - wide receiver
Higgins had his best game as a pro, catching both of his targets and posting a career-high 34 receiving yards. He now has six catches for 77 yards in his rookie campaign, with starting quarterback Robert Griffin III expected to return this week from an injury he suffered in Week 1.
Kapri Bibbs (Denver Broncos; 7-4) - running back
Bibbs recorded a career-high nine carries which went for 22 yards in Sunday’s loss to the Chiefs. He took a scary hit in the first quarter, but returned after being cleared by the medical staff shortly after. On the season, the former undrafted free agent now has 24 carries for 80 yards, and a 69-yard receiving touchdown.
DeAndre Elliott (Seattle Seahawks; 7-3-1) - cornerback
Elliott continues to stand out on the Seahawks’ special teams unit, recording another tackle in Sunday’s loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Seattle remains atop the NFC West, and will take on the defending NFC Champion Carolina Panthers on Sunday Night Football.
Shaquil Barrett (Denver Broncos; 7-4) - outside linebacker
Barrett did not record any stats in the Broncos’ 30-27 OT loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. After falling to third place in the AFC West, the Broncos will look to make up lost ground on Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Ty Sambrailo (Denver Broncos; 7-4) - offensive lineman
Sabrailo started the game at right tackle for the Broncos, but was replaced by veteran Donald Stephenson late in the first quarter.
Garrett Grayson (New Orleans Saints) - quarterback
Did not play; spent week on practice squad
