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2016 NFL Draft: Buffs Go Undrafted, Sign As Free Agents

Spruce, Nembot, Crawley, Powell & Bell find their NFL homes.

By Jeff Hauser
Brian Spurlock, Trevor ruszkowski- USA Today

They say "Nice guys finish last" and when it comes to the Colorado Buffaloes in this year's NFL Draft, that sentiment is true. The 2016 NFL Draft ended Saturday with Nelson Spruce, Stephane Nembot, Kenneth Crawley, Christian Powell, and Jered Bell going undrafted. It wasn't long after that all five former Buffs signed with NFL teams. Coach Mike MacIntyre took to Twitter and wish his players well.

Spruce going Hollywood to LA Rams

Spruce has great size at 6'1" and 205 pounds as a dependable option at the wide receiver position. He set 41 school records at CU and has gone down as one of the more prolific receivers in school history. NFL teams have admired his ability to be physical by fighting defenders in coverage and even though he's not the fastest wideout, he's a proven route runner who's comfortable in the slot. During the process leading up the Draft, Spruce has been in conversation with at least twenty NFL teams including the Washington Redskins and Seattle Seahawks. He returns back home to California with the Rams in their "inaugural" LA season after moving from St. Louis. Spruce's new quarterback and first overall pick from Cal, Jared Goff, already has chemistry with his new teammate after working out with the former CU wideout before the draft.

Nembot to protect QB Joe Flacco in Baltimore

Nembot has started all 37 games he played in at CU and was the recipient of the Eddie Crowder award in his senior season. At 6'6" and 330 pounds, he has ideal size for the offensive line and has been working with former Buff Matt McChesney to improve his techniques. Nembot set the bench press mark at the NFL combine by pushing 32 reps at 225 pounds. It's not just size and strength, he's also worked on his agility by allowing only 13 sacks in his career (three in 2015) and took just one false start penalty during his senior campaign. Nembot will develop his game at the next level by being a student of the game. During his pro day in Boulder, he was worked out extensively by scouts from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals. The Baltimore Ravens were high on Nembot's style and felt he would be a great fit in their system.

"Who dat" Crowley to the NOLA Saints

Crawley entered the NFL draft as a three-year starter at CU, who played a majority of snaps at the cornerback position. With the rangy athleticism and length, it would suggest Crawley belongs on a basketball court at 6'0" and 190 pounds. He has great speed running a 4'4, 40 yard dash time, going step-by-step with receivers down the field. Crawley can locate the ball on the field and has great range-of-motion when it comes to positioning his body on a play. CU defensive coordinator Jim Leavitt has worked with Crawley on being more physical in coverage and the results were evident on the field throughout his senior season. A great boost to his draft stock was his solid performance in the East-West Shrine game. He's not a ball hawk when it comes to snagging interceptions and will have to develop that aspect of his game in the NFL.

Powell takes strength to Pittsburgh

Powell leaves CU as one of 18 players in school history to rush for over 2,000 yards. The Steelers could utilize him as a power or third down back and it's not a stretch that he could move to fullback. The senior experience that Powell brings to the field could help him make the final roster going into the 2016 season. During his time at CU, Powell's steady hands were key to his success with just five fumbles in 496 career touches.

Bell defies the odds, going home with 49ers

As a six-year senior, Bell came into his final season at CU wanting to prove his critics wrong. After missing two years due to injury, the defensive back had a solid senior season and trained hard in the off season leading up to the NFL Draft. Like Spruce, Bell goes back home to California moving to the north with the San Francisco 49ers. A perfect fit considering the Niners have lacked consistency in the secondary. Both MacIntyre and Leavitt have close ties to San Francisco, making Bell's move in with high regards. A very humbled Bell said, "It's a blessing just to get this opportunity and I am extremely grateful for it and I am thankful for the opportunity to be a Buff as well."

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