Next Level Rams: Here's where former CSU stars will be suiting up this fall

 

FORT COLLINS, Colo. — The NFL season is here and many former Colorado State stars will be playing at the next level.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Rams currently playing in the league.

Shaq Barrett (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

After five years in Denver, Shaquil Barrett is looking for a breakout season in Tampa Bay.

In a reserved role, Barrett was a highly productive pass rusher for the Broncos, especially during the 2015 season when he recorded a career-high 5.5 sacks. Between 2015-19, Barrett had 14 sacks and 35 hits on the quarterback.

With the emergence of Bradley Chubb, though, Barrett saw his role decrease last season and as a result, the versatile edge rusher recorded just 28 total tackles. Now, in Tampa Bay, Barrett should have a chance for a career year.

Weston Richburg (San Francisco 49ers)

Weston Richburg was originally drafted by the New York Giants in 2014 and spent four seasons in the big apple.

In 2018, Richburg signed a five-year, $47.5 million deal with the 49ers but battled injuries for much of last season. After nine months of rehabbing his torn quadricep, Richburg was recently activated from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. Ram nation will be rooting for the veteran center to have a big year with QB Jimmy Garoppolo.

Ty Sambrailo (Atlanta Falcons)

Ty Sambrailo is in the mix to be the starting right tackle for the Atlanta Falcons this season. The former Broncos starter seems to have found a good fit in Atlanta and has earned the trust of the Falcons coaches over the past few years.

After being forced into a tough situation in Denver coming out of college, it’s nice to see Sambrailo has carved out a nice professional career for himself.

Michael Gallup (Dallas Cowboys)

Michael Gallup didn’t have the monster season that most CSU fans figured he would in 2018 but he certainly flashed his talents on multiple occasions. In total, Gallup finished his rookie season with 33 receptions for 504 yards and two touchdowns.

Back for his sophomore campaign, Gallup could be in for a big year as the No. 2 wide receiver behind Amari Cooper. The local media raved about Gallup throughout training camp and his timing with quarterback Dak Prescott seems to solid.

We all know just how productive Gallup can be — look for the athletic wide receiver to take his game to a new level in his second year in the system — much like how in 2017, his second season at CSU, Gallup was even better than the year before.

Rashard Higgins (Cleveland Browns)

Will 2019 be the year of Rashard Higgins? Whoever runs the team’s official Twitter account seems to think so — the flashy wide receiver seemingly gets featured in a post on a daily basis.

More important than social media, though, is how Higgins has developed a great relationship with quarterback Baker Mayfield. Whenever Mayfield calls Higgins’ number, CSU’s all-time leader in receptions has made the play and it’s allowed ‘Hollywood’ to position himself as Cleveland’s No. 3 wideout.

Dalyn Dawkins (Tennessee Titans)

One of the feel-good stories of the 2019 preseason, Dalyn Dawkins played his way onto the 53-man roster this year. After a solid showing in the first three preseason games, Dawkins totaled 13 carries for 117 yards on the ground and four catches for 31 yards with two receiving touchdowns in Tennessee’s fourth exhibition.

The speedy running back will look to be a change-of-pace option for Tennessee in 2019. His versatility allows the Titans to get the ball in his hands in a variety of different ways like swing passes to the outside or dump-off screens. And his toughness as a runner makes it so defenses cannot assume that Dawkins won’t come between the tackles.

Preston Williams (Miami Dolphins)

Preston Williams has all the talent to succeed in the NFL and he’s proving it after his off-field question marks resulted with him not getting drafted. All summer, Williams was the focus of the Miami media and when the preseason lights shined, the former CSU star lived up to the hype.

Although the Dolphins are projected to be one of the worst teams in the league, they definitely value what they have in Williams. If the 6-foot-4 wideout can stay on the right path, look for Williams to contribute as a rookie.

Olabisi Johnson (Minnesota Vikings)

Olabisi Johnson is in a perfect situation with the Minnesota Vikings. Playing behind Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen, Johnson can really learn how to be a professional from two of the league’s most dynamic wide receivers. Plus, Johnson will still have a chance to make a name for himself through special teams, both as a returner or gunner.

Johnson may not be as flashy as some of the other great wide receivers to come through CSU but he has an incredible work ethic, is extremely coachable and knows that his way to making the roster is by contributing in more than one way.

Josh Watson (Denver Broncos)

Josh Watson didn’t hear his name called in the 2019 NFL Draft but that won’t matter this season. The rookie linebacker out of Colorado State is the latest undrafted free agent to make a name for himself with the Denver Broncos. After originally making the 53-man roster, Watson has since been waived and added to the practice squad.

In four seasons at CSU, Watson recorded 365 total tackles and finished with 90+ tackles in three different years. After going undrafted last spring, Watson stayed local and signed as a UDFA with the Broncos.

With Denver lacking depth at inside linebacker, Watson was able to make a name for himself throughout the five preseason games. Watson averaged five total tackles per game and in Denver’s second exhibition at Seattle, the former CSU standout led the team with 10 total tackles.