Texas defensive tackle Lamarr Houston was the only second-day pick with Colorado ties in the NFL draft Friday. Houston played his high school ball at Colorado Springs’ Doherty High, where he earned Parade All-America honors as a linebacker. He also was Colorado’s Gatorade player of the year in 2006.
Houston, 6-feet-2 and 305 pounds, went to Oakland in the second round with the 44th pick, one position ahead of the Broncos’ selection of offensive guard Zane Beadles. Houston started 36 games his last three seasons in Austin, moving to defensive tackle as a junior.
Although Houston was picked relatively high, ESPN analyst Jon Gruden called him “one of the sleepers of this draft.” Oakland traded back from its No. 39 draft pick to No. 44, gaining fifth- and sixth-round choices.
Colorado State offensive guard Shelley Smith might expect an early call today, along with former Loveland prep All-America, USC offensive lineman Jeff Byers.
Awaiting calls possibly later in the day will be CSU offensive tackle Cole Pemberton and Colorado cornerback Ben Burney.
Former CSU center Tim Walter said Friday he has been in touch with some teams. He noted several Rams have made NFL rosters as free agents, including his sophomore-year quarterback, Caleb Hanie with Chicago.
Wyoming has two defensive line prospects with Colorado high school ties, Mitch Unrein (Eaton) and John Fletcher (Ralston Valley).
Jeff Legwold contributed to this report.
Natalie Meisler: 303-954-1295 or nmeisler@denverpost.com
