CSU’sHiggins, James drafted; CU shut out
Raiders sign wideoutMcCa≠rey as undrafted free agent
It took a lot longer than expected, but former Colorado State star Rashard Higgins heard his name called in the NFL draft by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round as the 172nd selection overall.
Higgins was the fifth wide receiver the Browns selected during the draft, including first-round pick Corey Coleman.
Higgins, 6-foot-1 and 196 pounds, is CSU’s career leader in receptions, yards receiving and touchdowncatches. Hewas one of the best players available on the boardwhen hewas chosen by the Browns.
“They don’t have to believe inme, man,” Higgins said of NFL teams last month. “I believe in me. I’m going to show them.”
Twenty-two picks later, former Colorado State linebacker Cory James was selected by the Oakland Raiders in the sixth round as 194th pick overall.
James, 6-1 and 229, ranks fourth in CSU history with 24 sacks. He hopes to follow the NFL path of former CSU linebacker Shaquil Barrett, nowwith the Broncos.
This is the third consecutive year that two CSU players were drafted.
Last year, offensive tackleTy Sambrailo and quarterback GarrettGraysonwent in the second and third rounds, respectively.
Higgins has one of the best combinations of route running and sure hands in the draft. He was expected to go in the third or fourth round.
“Rashard Higgins was a joy to coach,” said CSU’s Mike Bobo. “He was everything you want in a football player, and was a great ambassador for Colorado State on and off the field. Rashard will be successful at the next level.”
James, who ran the 40-yard dash in 4.57 seconds at his pro-day workout, was projected to be a late-round selection or priority free agent. Former Valor Christian and Duke wide receiver Max McCaffrey, son of former Broncos star EdMcCaffrey, signed as an undrafted rookie with the Oakland Raiders. Broncos general manager John Elway said he reached out to Ed McCaffrey about signing Max, but the family decided to go in a different direction. Elway said Max’s decision was “unfortunate,” but he understood.
“When your son becomes a Raider,” Ed tweeted Saturday night.
“Never been prouder of my older bro than now,” younger brother Christian, a star running back at Stanford, added. “About to turn heads for the Raiders!”
For the second consecutive year, the University ofColorado didn’t have a player drafted. But the Buffaloes and CSUhad a number of players who were signed as free agents.
Two playerswho attended the Broncos’ local pro day will be staying here. Former Rangeview High and Sioux Falls defensive back John Tidwell signed with the Broncos for a $3,000 guarantee, according to his agent. Former GrandviewHigh and Wyoming defensive end EddieYarbrough also signed with the Broncos.