A talented class for Colorado’s Pro Timing Day

The Colorado Buffaloes are preparing to host representatives from a majority of NFL teams in Boulder on Wednesday. The annual event known as ‘Pro Day’ features sixteen former CU football players working out for 27 NFL teams.

According to CU’s Dave Plati, “An eight-member contingent from the Denver Broncos, including John Elway (president of football operations and general manager) and former Buffaloes Vance Joseph (head coach) and Matt Russell (director of player personnel)” will be among the personnel representing their respective pro teams.

Offense

Shay Fields, Bryce Bobo, and Devin Ross were three of the most under-rated pass catching threats in the Pac-12 in the past two seasons. The receiving trio leads this year’s class on offense ahead of next month’s NFL Draft.

Fields leaves CU ranked third in receptions (190) and second in yards (2,552) behind his former teammate Nelson Spruce (2012-15). Bobo had a good experience at the East-West Shrine Game in January, but will need to have an outstanding showing in technique drills to improve his draft status. As for Ross, he was named to the preseason watch list for the Biletnikoff Award, honoring the nation’s top receiver, after finishing his 2016 campaign with 69 receptions for 787 yards and five touchdowns.

NFL teams with a need (WR): Chicago Bears, Washington Redskins, Green Bay Packers, Arizona Cardinals, Baltimore Ravens, Dallas Cowboys, Jacksonville Jaguars, New Orleans Saints, Kansas City Chiefs

Phillip Lindsay made the best of his opportunity at the East-West Shrine Bowl by dominating in his starting role. The “Tasmanian Devil” claimed the title of CU’s all-time leading rusher and finished with 5,675 all-purpose yards and 39 total touchdowns. At 5’8” and 190 pounds, Lindsay plays at a more physical level than his size leads on. His overall character and awareness will be relied on at the next level.

NFL teams with a need (RB): Tampa Bay Buccaneers, NY Jets, NY Giants, Oakland Raiders

Remaining offensive players (six)

Jeromy Irwin, OL

Michael Adkins, RB

Gerrad Kough, OL

George Frazier, FB/TE/DE

Tanner Grzesiek, RB

Austin Freer, OL (Colorado Mesa)

Defense

As one of the nation’s best cover corners, Isaiah Oliver’s the only CU underclassmen in this class to declare early for the NFL Draft. After providing a solid highlight reel throughout the season, Oliver was the only Buff invited to last week’s NFL combine where he showed why he’s projected as a first round pick. The All-Conference selection ended his career with 29 pass breakups and three interceptions.

Oliver could be the first Buff since 2011 (Nate Solder- No. 17, New England and Jimmy Smith- No. 27 Baltimore) as a day one selection.

NFL teams with a need (CB): Cleveland Browns, Chicago Bears, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Miami Dolphins, Green Bay Packers, Seattle Seahawks, New England Patriots

Remaining defensive players (five)

Afolabi Laguda, S

Derek McCartney, OLB

Ryan Moeller, S

Leo Jackson III, DL

Tim Coleman, DE

Special Teams

One player to watch out of this class is kicker Diego Gonzales. The native of Monterrey, Mexico started the 2015 season with a game-winning field goal in the Rocky Mountain Showdown vs. CSU, and continued to shine by making a school record 18-of-29 attempts on the season. Gonzales’ career was cut short due to a torn Achilles in the third week of the 2016 season at Michigan. He returns following extensive rehab to work out.

NFL teams with a need (K): Oakland Raiders, LA Chargers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, NY Giants

CU Football’s Pro Timing day is open to the public at 2:00 p.m. MT on Wednesday, March 7 at the indoor practice facility.