Five Colorado Buffaloes set for first NFL interview at East-West Shrine Game

With NFL scouts watching intently, five former Buffaloes defenders will attempt to up their draft stock during Saturday’s 92^nd edition of the East-West Shrine Game from St. Petersburg, Florida. Here’s a look at the Buffs playing for the West squad and where they are projected to be taken in April’s NFL Draft.

Ahkello Witherspoon, Cornerback

A transfer from Sacramento City College, Witherspoon started 21 games at cornerback for the Buffs over the last 3 seasons. During his senior campaign, Witherspoon, along with teammate Tedric Thompson, led the nation with 23 passes defended. His lone interception in 2016 helped seal a 41-38 win at Oregon.

With this year’s NFL Draft full of high quality cornerbacks, Ahkello Witherspoon is projected to be selected in the 5^th round according to CBSSports.com.

Tedric Thompson, Safety

The Valencia, California native is tied for 5^th on Colorado’s all-time list with 13 interceptions, 7 of which came during his final year in Boulder. A first-team All-Pac-12 selection by the Associated Press for 2016, CBSSports.com has Thompson listed as the 8^th best strong safety and projected to be drafted in the 5^th or 6^th round come April.

Jimmie Gilbert, Outside Linebacker

The first Buff to be named an AP All-American since 2011 (Ryan Miller), Gilbert capped off a stellar senior season with 51 tackles and 10.5 sacks, 2^nd most in the Pac-12 behind Utah’s Hunter Dimick. Gilbert also led the Buffs with 14.5 tackles for loss, 22 3^rd down stops and caused 6 fumbles. Despite the impressive numbers, CBSSports.com ranks Gilbert as the 24^th best outside linebacker prospect for 2017, projecting him as a possible 7^th round selection.

Kenneth Olugbode, Inside Linebacker

The San Jose, California native led the Buffs with 130 tackles this season, giving him 299 for his career, 16^th best all-time at Colorado. He also led the Buffs with three fumble recoveries, none bigger than this scoop and score vs Utah to send Colorado to the Pac-12 Championship game.

Despite being ranked as the 24^th best inside linebacker by CBSSports.com, Olugbode is currently projected to go undrafted come April.

Josh Tupou, Defensive Tackle

The 6’3, 325 LB defensive tackle was a co-recipient of the Buffs 2016 Defensive Trench Award, going to the most outstanding players(s) in the front 7. Tupou finished this season with 49 tackles, 1 ½ sacks and 10 quarterback pressures. He’s listed as the 21^st best defensive tackle in this year’s draft class, which should see him taken in the 6^th or 7^th round.

Best of luck to these five former Buffs competing for the West squad in what could be considered their first job interview. The East-West Shrine Game kicks off at 1pm MT on NFL Network.

OTHER KEY DATES LEADING UP TO THE 2017 NFL DRAFT

January 28: Reese’s Senior Bowl, 12:30pm MT, NFL Network

Colorado defensive back Chidobe Awuzie (projected to be a 2^nd or 3^rd round pick) and quarterback Sefo Liufau (the 12^th ranked QB according to CBSSports.com) will be playing for the North squad.

February 28-March 6: NFL Draft Combine, NFL Network

TBD – Colorado Pro Day

April 27-29: NFL Draft