After a surprise trade and controversial pick in the first round, the Broncos stayed patient in the second round of the draft Friday evening taking a hometown lineman.
From their slated 59th overall slot the Broncos decided to pick for an obviously need along the offensive line and drafted Ty Sambrailo from Colorado State University.
For months everyone knew the Broncos were in need of some fresh legs up front, especially at tackle and guard. Sambrailo can play both.
As a Ram he played he played in 11 games in 2014 on his way to All-Mountain West honors. According to the Colorado State University site he graded out above 90-percent in every game he played and registered more than 60 knockdown blocks.
With several new editions to the offensive line Sambrailo will have opportunities at both right tackle and left guard entering offseason workouts.
At 6’6″, 311 pounds, he registered a 5.7 40-yard dash time and only completed 23 repetitions on the bench press at the combine. He will have to quickly gain strength in order to earn a starting position in 2015.
Sambrailo was projected to go in the third round or later and he was ranked lower than another tackle many thought the Broncos would take, T.J. Clemmings from the University of Pittsburgh. His versatility and experience clearly contributed to the Broncos taking him earlier than expected.
The Broncos were in dire need of more depth at tackle and made the smart move with their second of nine total selections in the draft.
Email Sam at sam@milehighsports.com and follow him on Twitter @SamCowhick.