Saturday’s final session of the three-day NFL draft went just long enough to make offensive guard Shelley Smith of Colorado State and quarterback Zac Robinson of Oklahoma State happy campers.
The Houston Texans took Smith, an honorable-mention player last fall in the Mountain West Conference, in the sixth round. Robinson, who played at Chatfield High School, became a seventh-round pick by the New England Patriots.
Smith was the 187th player taken, and Robinson was No. 250, five away from the end of the draft.
Later Saturday, CU tight end Riar Geer said he had agreed to a free-agent contract with the Broncos.
“You really never know what’s going to happen in the draft, but I’m very satisfied to be going with a great team,” Smith said. “I’m happy to be drafted, but I was prepared to do what was necessary if I wasn’t drafted. I’m excited and will be heading down to Houston as soon as they want me there.”
Smith, 6-feet-3 and 300 pounds, played guard throughout his CSU career but also put time in at center during practices.
CSU and the Texans have a connection, but Smith wasn’t counting on any ties as an aid in the draft. Houston coach Gary Kubiak has attended some CSU practices while sons Klint and Klay played for the Rams. Smith said he has met the Houston coach several times.
Robinson completed 180-of-301 passes for 2,084 yards and 15 touchdowns with 12 interceptions last season. He also rushed for 305 yards and four TDs.
“I was surprised to fall that far,” said Robinson, who knew the Patriots were planning to take a quarterback late. “It was a long day. It’s a perfect situation for me. The Patriots have a tradition of winning.”
Several players with local ties were hopeful of completing free-agent contracts Saturday night. Offensive lineman Jeff Byers (Loveland High School) of USC was one of the hopefuls.
Staff writer Natalie Meisler contributed to this story.
Irv Moss: 303-954-1296 or imoss@denverpost.com
