Colorado State Rams undrafted free agent tracker

 

The 2016 NFL draft may be over, and two Colorado State Rams were selected this time around; Rashard Higgins in the 5th round by the Cleveland Browns, and Cory James in the sixth by the Oakland Raiders.

But, they’re not the only players to become Next Level Rams. In fact, former CSU players are finding NFL homes left and right.

First, it was tight end Kivon Cartwright, who has signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers:

Colorado State TE Kivon Cartwright signs with the #Buccaneers

— Shane P. Hallam (@ShanePHallam) April 30, 2016

Cartwright is a big, versatile tight end who’s been on the wrong end of injuries multiple times during his collegiate career. But, he’s been healthy lately. In 2015, he had 18 receptions for 239 yards and two touchdowns. Then, he went on to catch a touchdown in the East-West Shrine Game, impressing NFL scouts along the way. Including, apparently, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The next player to be signed was cornerback DeAndre Elliott:

Congratulations to first 2 #NextLevelRams to report they've signed FA contracts:
TE Kivon Cartwright, Tampa Bay
CB DeAndre Elliott, Seattle

— Colorado State Football (@CSUFootball) April 30, 2016

The Seattle Seahawks signed up the speedy cornerback, who was a consistent performer throughout his career with six interceptions — including a 76-yard pick-six — a forced fumble and a blocked field goal during his time in Fort Collins. Where he really impressed was at the NFL Combine, as the second quickest in the 20-yard shuttle for all cornerbacks and enjoyed the second-best vertical leap at 41 inches.

Then came offensive lineman Sam Carlson, who’s headed to Nashville:

https://twitter.com/SamCarlson71/status/726566868803182592

Carlson will be playing with the Tennessee Titans from now on. He started all 13 games both of the last two seasons in Fort Collins and was named All-MW honorable mention after his senior season.

Finally, Jasen Oden told me he has signed with the Atlanta Falcons:

Former #CSURams bruising running back Jasen Oden tells me he's been signed as a #UDFA by the #Atlanta #Falcons. @jay_owe716 @CSUFootball

— Rich (midnight blue 🌠and sunshine yellow ☀️) (@RichKurtzman) May 1, 2016

Oden is a big, bruising running back who knows how to get the tough yards when they’re needed the most. His first two years at Colorado State, Oden played cornerback before being moved over to running back. While he gained 276 yards and two touchdowns as a junior and looked to enter his senior year as the starter, other things happened. In fact, he was down to third on the depth chart when the 2015 season kicked off, but said that didn’t deter him as he worked even harder to prove his worth. Oden finished his senior campaign with 746 yards and six touchdowns on the ground, though a shoulder injury hampered his on-the-field success. Oden said making the NFL was a life-long dream for him which he’s now achieved.

Most recently WR Joe Hansley agreed to terms with the Oakland Raiders.

Thank you @RAIDERS for the opportunity 🙏🏼 you won't regret it

— Joe Hansley (@JoeHansley) May 2, 2016

As a four-year starter for the Rams, Hansley was dangerous as a wide receiver and in special teams as a return-man. Hansley is a savvy route runner and has consistent hands, which makes up for his lack of size. His football IQ and relentless heart of the field won over fans of the green and gold, and could also win over the silver and black.

Also: Defensive tackle Terry Jackson will work out with the Arizona Cardinals. Jackson has been a grinder for the last three years at Colorado State, working his way to being one of the most consistent defensive linemen the Rams had on their roster. Jackson found a way into the opponents’ backfield often, recording 11.5 tackles for a loss, one sack and a fumble recovery during his career at CSU.

And another former Ram found a home in the NFL in Martavius Foster:

https://twitter.com/Thatguy2cold/status/727330051872591872

Foster was a valuable backup in his sophomore and junior years, making the jump to full-time starter in 2015 with CSU. Last season, he recorded career-highs with 27 total tackles, 8.0 TFLs, 5.5 sacks and a forced fumble. Foster showed some speed on the outside to get into the backfield and create headaches for opposing quarterbacks. To go with the 5.5 sacks, he also had four quarterback hurries.

Updates as they happen. Stay tuned.