Colorado State University Athletics
#NextLevelRams: NFL Update Week 1
9/14/2016 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.
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.
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 1 of the NFL season:
Shaquil Barrett (Denver Broncos)- outside linebacker
Shaquil Barrett recorded one tackle and one pass defense in the Denver Broncos’ 21-20 win over the Carolina Panthers on Thursday Night Football.
Crockett Gillmore (Baltimore Ravens)- tight end
Ravens tight end Crockett Gillmore recorded one reception for five yards in a 13-7 win over the Buffalo Bills.
Weston Richburg (New York Giants)- center
Weston Richburg started and played the entire game at center for the Giants. Richburg and the offensive line helped block the way for 316 total yards, including 113 on the ground, in New York’s 20-19 win over the rival Cowboys.
Kapri Bibbs (Denver Broncos)- running back
Broncos running back Kapri Bibbs recorded his first career catch, a quarterback check-down that went for six yards. The play marked the first offensive snap of Bibbs’ professional career.
Cory James (Oakland Raiders), Rashard Higgins (Cleveland Browns), DeAndre Elliott (Seattle Seahawks)-
All three rookies made their professional debuts in Week 1, but none registered any statistics.
Ty Sambrailo (Denver Broncos)- offensive lineman
Did not play; elbow injury. Has practiced this week and is expected to return to action Sunday vs. the Colts.
Garrett Grayson (New Orleans Saints)- quarterback
Did not play; spent week on practice squad.
