2014 NFL Draft: CU and CSU Draft Prospects

Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

After weeks of hype, the 2014 NFL Draft finally gets underway tonight. Over the next three days, more than 200 young men stand to have their lives changed forever when their names are called by one of 32 NFL franchises. This year, the draft pool includes several players from the University of Colorado and Colorado State University. Here’s a look at the players from both schools who are hoping to be selected in the Draft or, at the very least, earn a shot at making a squad as an undrafted free agent.

University of Colorado Buffaloes

• Paul Richardson, WR, 6 feet, 175 pounds
• Chidera Uzo-Diribe, DE, 6 feet 2 inches, 252 pounds
• Parker Orms, FS, 5 feet 10 inches, 190 pounds
• Gus Handler, C, 6 feet 3 inches, 295 pounds
• Derrick Webb, ILB, 5 feet 11 inches, 224 pounds
• Ryan Iverson, Long Snapper, 6 feet, 225 pounds
• Nate Bonsu, DL, 6 feet 1 inch, 290 pounds

(According to the CU Football website, Offensive Tackle Jack Harris and Defensive Back Paul Vigo haven’t hired agents, but are eligible for the draft. In addition, two former players – Linebacker Doug Rippy and Defensive Back Travis Sandersfeld – took part in CU’s Pro Day and have hired agents.)

Colorado State University Rams

• Weston Richburg, C, 6 feet 3 inches, 298 pounds
• Crockett Gillmore, TE, 6 feet 6 inches, 260 pounds
• Shaquil Barrett, OLB, 6 feet 1 inch, 251 pounds
• Kapri Bibbs, RB, 5 feet 9 inches, 212 pounds
• Shaq Bell, CB, 5 feet 11 inches, 198 pounds
• Joe Brown, TE, 6 feet 3 inches, 220 pounds
• Eli Edwards, DL, 6 feet 1 inch, 250 pounds
• Jordan Gragert, OL, 6 feet 4 inches, 290 pounds
• Brandon Haynes, OL, 6 feet 3 inches, 300 pounds
• Tanner Hedstrom, Long Snapper, 6 feet 1 inch, 230 pounds
• Jake Levin, TE, 6 feet 2 inches, 220 pounds
• Joe McKay, TE, 6 feet 1 inch, 235 pounds
• Chris Nwoke, RB, 6 feet, 216 pounds
• Calvin Tonga, DL, 6 feet 3 inches, 330 pounds
• Curtis Wilson, DL, 6 feet 4 inches, 275 pounds
• Jared Biard, OL, 6 feet 7 inches, 315 pounds

For CU, speedy wideout Paul Richardson is the only player currently projected by CBS Sports to be drafted (experts expect him to be taken somewhere in the third round); while Weston Richburg (second or third round), Crockett Gillmore (fourth round), and Shaquil Barrett (seventh round), are expected to have their names called before the Draft concludes over the weekend.

Best of luck to these players as they endure the emotional rollercoaster that is NFL Draft weekend.