Colorado State's Ty Sambrailo drafted by Denver Broncos in second round

A dream has come true for one young man who called Colorado State University home the last four years.

Ty Sambrailo was selected by the Denver Broncos in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft Friday night at No. 59 overall. Sambrailo was the seventh offensive tackle taken in this year’s draft and he beat projections which had him falling to the third or fourth round.

Sambrailo was an absolute beast at left tackle for Colorado State, starting the last 25 games of his college career at the most important spot on the offensive line. Ram fans will remember fondly the last two seasons of offensive production by the team, both in running and passing the pigskin all over opponents.

He blocked for Kapri Bibbs’ school-record 1,741 rushing yards and 31 touchdowns in 2013, then Dee Hart’s 1,275 yards and 16 scores on the ground last season. Also in 2014, his quarterback and fellow NFL Draftee Garrett Grayson passed for a school-record 4,006 yards and 33 touchdowns. Without Sambrailo protecting his blindside, Grayson wouldn’t have had time for some of those deep balls. Nor would he have been able to impress scouts and end up being selected in the third round at No. 75 overall.

Grayson should be calling Sambrailo (if he already hasn’t) and thanking him right now.

The monstrous lineman was named one of five team captains for the 2014 season and was an undoubted leader not only of the offensive line but the entire Rams team.

That 2014 Rams team was something special, indeed. They defeated all three rivals in the CU Buffaloes, Air Force Falcons and retained the Bronze Boot with their win over the Wyoming Cowboys. The comeback victory against Boston College on the road set the stage for the great year. Of course, they’ll always lament the loss to Boise State in Week Two and their missed opportunity at a Mountain West Championship appearance. But that doesn’t take away from the great season that was.

Now Sambrailo will join one of the most storied franchises in the NFL in the Broncos.

Denver has won two Super Bowls and has been to the big game seven times. With John Elway as the team’s General Manager, they’re poised to compete for another championship this season. And if Sambrailo can find a way onto the field this season, he’ll have the honor of blocking for one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time in Peyton Manning.