John Elway raised an important, if rhetorical question, that said a lot about how the Broncos, and perhaps all NFL teams, approach the draft.
“Other than offensive line, the quarterback position and starting corners, who really starts?” the Broncos’ general manager and executive vice president said last week. “When we project guys, we project guys in the draft if they are going to be starters in their second year.”
For the prospects coming out of Colorado schools this year, that approach might suit them well.
NFL draft experts seem to have come to a consensus on local players, labeling the group with the “P-word”: Potential. They have the potential to become viable backups, maybe starters in a couple cases. But it likely won’t be this fall.
Topping the list of local standouts is Garrett Grayson, Colorado State’s 6-foot-2, 213-pound record-setting quarterback, who is projected by many analysts, including ESPN’s Jon Gruden, as the No. 3 quarterback in the draft.
Grayson, who drew the interest of multiple teams after an impressive pro day performance, has experience under center in the pistol formation and out of shotgun. Grayson also has the second-highest accuracy percentage among draft prospects for deep passes (52.8 percent) behind only Kansas State’s Jake Waters (61.8) and above Heisman winner Marcus Mariota (50.0 percent, No. 4) and projected top pick Jameis Winston (39.3, No. 19), .
“I think he’s probably more ready,” Elway said of Grayson. “I think there is an adjustment to go in, but any time you spend time underneath the center as well as back in shotgun (you have an advantage).”
Colorado State’s Ty Sambrailo, a 6-6, 311-pound skier turned offensive tackle has generated interest for, among other things, his leadership and mobility. Sambrailo is ranked among the top 13 at his position in multiple mock drafts. He has impressed scouts with his athleticism and footwork, but they have questions about his run blocking and overall strength.
And given the Broncos need for a right tackle, Sambrailo might not have to travel far to find work.
“I think that would be pretty neat to stay in Colorado, but any opportunity to play would be great at the next level,” he said. “If it happened to be there, it would be exciting.”
Nicki Jhabvala: njhabvala@denverpost.com or twitter.com/nickijhabvala
Hoping for the call
The state of Colorado has a number of prospects hoping to be drafted. The Post’s Nicki Jhabvala analyzes the area players who have a shot and when they are likely to be taken:
Garrett Grayson, QB, Colorado State, 6-foot-2, 213 pounds — Second, third, fourth — Accurate deep passer, has worked under center and out of shotgun; at times inconsistent
Ty Sambrailo, OT, Colorado State, 6-6, 311 — Third, fourth round — Good footwork, flexibility for his size
Bernard Blake, CB, Colorado State, 6-0, 185 — Seventh round, undrafted — Potential as a backup, needs to add size, improve technique
Dee Hart, RB, Colorado State, 5-7, 199 — undrafted — Played bigger than he is at CSU, but size might be limiting in pros
Aaron Davis, OLB, Colorado State, 6-0, 225 — undrafted — Smart and aggressive, but small for a linebacker
Jared Roberts, K, Colorado State, 6-0, 210 — undrafted — Showed improvement in distance and accuracy, but the latter is still a concern
Chris Bonner, QB, CSU-Pueblo, 6-7, 225 — Seventh round — Height allows him to see over defense; lacking arm strength
Darius Allen, OLB, CSU-Pueblo, 6-3, 229 — undrafted — Quick and prolific, but undersized for his position
Greg Henderson, CB, Colorado, 5-11, 185 — undrafted — Quick feet; instincts, ball skills a concern
