Colorado State University Athletics
#NextLevelRams: NFL Update Weeks 1 & 2
9/20/2017 1:19:00 PM | Football
Barrett looks unblockable, Higgins emerging as team's top receiver
by Grant Larson
Athletics Communications
Colorado State University is currently represented by seven #NextLevelRams on NFL rosters. Shaquil Barrett (Denver Broncos), Rashard Higgins (Cleveland Browns), Cory James (Oakland Raiders), Weston Richburg (New York Giants) and Ty Sambrailo (Atlanta Falcons) are on active rosters, while DeAndre Elliott (Seattle Seahawks) and Crockett Gillmore (Baltimore Ravens) are on their team's injured reserve lists.
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Below is a look at what the #NextLevelRams did in the first two weeks of the NFL season.
#NextLevelRams overall record: 6-4
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Shaquil Barrett (Denver Broncos; 2-0)- Linebacker
Despite missing all of training camp with an injury, Shaq Barrett has not missed a step early in the 2017 season. Through two games, Barrett has eight tackles, 1.0 sack and an obscene 15 quarterback pressures. Pro Football Focus currently has Barrett as the fourth-highest rated 3-4 outside linebacker in the entire league, behind only a trio of All-Pro selections in Khalil Mack, Von Miller and Justin Houston. The former Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year has been highlighted by numerous outlets as one of the top defensive players in the league thus far, and will look to continue his hot start to the season next week against the Buffalo Bills.
Shaquil Barrett started the season off on ?? pic.twitter.com/DyK5oXH20j
— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) September 12, 2017
Two Broncos on this list ?? pic.twitter.com/6ZvXpU1QC7
— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) September 18, 2017
Rashard Higgins (Cleveland Browns; 0-2)- Wide Receiver
After spending Week 1 on the practice squad, Rashard Higgins established himself in Week 2 as one of the Browns' biggest threats in the passing game. The second-year receiver pulled in seven catches for 95 yards, both of which were team highs. The single-game outburst eclipsed the stat line of his entire rookie campaign, when he recorded six catches for 77 yards in 16 games played. With No. 1 receiver Corey Coleman heading to injured reserve, Higgins is expected to start in his absence and looks to play a pivotal role in Cleveland's offense from here on out.
WR Rashard Higgins "showed his worth" after being called up from practice squad
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) September 18, 2017
?? » https://t.co/CH11DJyWIn pic.twitter.com/NWotDH2trS
Cory James (Oakland Raiders; 2-0)- Linebacker
Sophomore linebacker Cory James has started both games at middle linebacker for the Raiders and ranks third on the team with 11 tackles. James recorded seven tackles in Oakland's Week 2 win over the New York Jets and graded out by Pro Football Focus as one of the Raiders' top defensive players. James and the Raiders will look to remain unbeaten on the season as they travel to Washington to take on the 1-1 Redskins on Sunday Night Football.
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Weston Richburg (New York Giants; 0-2)- Center
The Giants' offense has gotten off to a slow start in 2017, putting up just 13 points through two games. Richburg has been a bright spot on an otherwise suspect offensive line, grading out as a 77.0 by Pro Football Focus. New York will look to get back on track in Week 3 when they take on Philadelphia Eagles.
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Ty Sambrailo (Atlanta Falcons; 2-0)- Offensive Tackle
Third-year offensive lineman Ty Sambrailo saw his first action with his new team in Week 2, stepping in for injured right tackle Ryan Schraeder. Behind Sambrailo and the offensive line, the Falcons put up 34 points and 364 yards en route to a prime-time victory over the Green Bay Packers. Should Schraeder fail to clear concussion protocol this week, Sambrailo will be expected to start in his place on Sunday against the Detroit Lions.
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DeAndre Elliott (Seattle Seahawks)- Cornerback
Spending the season on injured reserve.
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Crockett Gillmore (Baltimore Ravens)- Tight End
Spending the season on injured reserve.
