Daniel Arias (Arizona Cardinals), Terrance Lang (Los Angeles Chargers), Brady Russell (Philadelphia Eagles), and Guy Thomas (Indianapolis Colts) all signed free agent contracts while Robert Barnes (Seattle Seahawks) and Quinn Perry (New York Giants) were invited to minicamps.
Additionally, former Buffs Mekhi Blackmon (Minnesota Vikings, third round) and Christian Gonzalez (New England Patriots, first round) were drafted, and Aaron Maddox (Indianapolis Colts) signed a free agent contract.
CU has had success with undrafted free agents in the NFL, as at least one CU player has made an NFL roster after not being drafted each of the last nine seasons. Nate Landman was the latest such player in 2022, making the Atlanta Falcons roster after not being drafted last season. Landman is the 68th CU player to earn a roster spot after not being drafted.
Four other Buffs, Josh Chandler-Semedo, Isaiah Lewis, Anthony Lyle and Jamar Montgomery, all took part in CU’s Pro Day in March and could still land contracts.
Though they didn’t finish their careers as Buffs, Blackmon and Gonzalez become the 277th and 278th players in CU history to be drafted, and Gonzalez is the 25th first-round pick in CU history. At No. 17 overall, Gonzalez is also tied for the 14th-highest draft pick in CU history and highest since Nate Solder also went No. 17 overall, also to the New England Patriots, in 2011.
Arias is a versatile receiver and stand out on special teams. He played in 50 career games with 21 starts, and finished his career with 48 receptions for 750 yards and four touchdowns. He set a CU record with 28 force fair catches on special teams and seventh overall in special teams points with 77.
Barnes was a graduate transfer from Oklahoma and played in 57 games between the Buffs and Sooner at linebacker. He finished his career with 145 tackles, including 84 at Colorado the past two seasons. In 2022, he played in all 12 games and had 40 tackles, two for a loss with four third down stops and one quarterback pressure.
Lang is a gifted pass rusher who played in 53 career games with 36 starts at CU. He had 125 tackles including 21 for a loss with 11.5 sacks in his career that included 30 quarterback hurries, 34 third down stops and six pass breakups. An NFF…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at University of Colorado Athletics…