Garrett Grayson may be the best known former Colorado State football player who will likely be drafted into the NFL at the end of this month, but there’s another big name who has been making the rounds.
According to Stephen Cohen (among others), tackle Ty Sambrailo visited the Seattle Seahawks, a team looking for a replacement to the departed Max Unger at center.
It might be the Colorado State alum in me talking, but I’m increasingly intrigued at Ty Sambrailo’s potential at center. Visited #Seahawks.
— Stephen Cohen (@scohenPI) April 16, 2015
Note: Cohen clarified, saying Sambrailo is among players who have/will visit the Seahawks. He may not have yet, but will, and the Super Bowl XLVIII champions have their eyes on the former Ram.
Moving from tackle to center is said to be a tough transition due to the demands of the inside position. While tackles stand outside and are given a bit of breathing room between themselves and defensive ends, centers have massive defensive tackles lined up right over their noses. Centers have to be on the same page with quarterbacks, when it comes to identifying the “Mike” linebacker as well as the snap count. The center also makes the line calls and has the little task of snapping the ball on every play.
Of course, for Seattle, there’s a need for tackle depth, too, which would more naturally suit Sambrailo.
He also visited and worked out with the Denver Broncos on Tuesday, who have Ryan Clady on the left side and would likely have Chris Clark starting on the right side unless the team finds a rookie ready to start immediately. The Broncos worked out T.J. Clemmings of Pitt, Tuesday as well.
It can’t be missed that Sambrailo started five games at guard for Colorado State in 2012 and he played at four of the five positions on the line that year, excluding center. NFL teams are seeing him as a tackle/guard player who could end up at either spot.
As far as the Draft is concerned, some are saying Sambrailo could go as high as the early second round, while Lance Zierlein of NFL.com now projects him as a third or fourth round player. He was the NFL Combine’s best performer at the three cone drill and scouts are impressed with his quick footwork and athleticism. One critique is his need to be stronger, especially in the run game, which could improve with next level training.
The NFL Draft will be an exciting weekend for CSU fans, with multiple players likely being selected this time around. It all takes place in Chicago from April 30-May 2.
