Weaknesses:
Summary: The Colorado State program has produced some quality NFL prospects in recent years. Weston Richburg was a second-round pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. Running back Kapri Bibbs fell undrafted last year because of injuries, but his tape had him draftable. Quarterback Garrett Grayson and Sambrailo could end up going in the first two rounds of the 2015 NFL Draft.
Sambrailo spent the past three seasons as a reliable pass-protector for the Rams while Bibbs and Dee Hart had success running behind him. Sambrailo broke into the starting lineup early in his collegiate career as a freshman. He started at left tackle as a freshman and sophomore. Sambrailo took his play to another level in 2013 as he didn’t allow Grayson to be sacked all season.
2014 was another excellent season for Sambrailo. An injury cost him some time during the year, but he came back to finish the year well. Sambrailo didn’t give up a sack until bowl season when a good Utah defense got him for a couple of sacks of Garrett Grayson.
Despite having a good college career, Sambrailo struggled at the Senior Bowl. The speed rushers gave him problems and was caught reaching after them far too much. He also got pushed around and illustrated that he needs to add more power for the next level.
In the NFL, Sambrailo could develop into a left tackle. He also might be a better fit as a left guard or right tackle, at least to start out. Sambrailo should work well in a zone-blocking scheme rather than in power man. He would have to move inside to work in the latter scheme. Sambrailo needs to improve his functional strength and technique. He gets caught reaching after rushers too much. Sambrailo has some quickness and athleticism for an offensive lineman. Entering the next level, he is a bit of a jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none blocker. Sambrailo does everything well, but he isn’t especially dominant in pass or run blocking.
Sambrailo looks like a second-day pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. Some suggest Sambrailo could be a late first-rounder, but he looks more like a second- or third-round pick.
Player Comparison: Sam Baker. As a prospects go, Sambrailo is similar to Baker. The Falcons veteran has put together some solid play during his career while also dealing with injuries and some underwhelming stretches. Baker turned in a quality 2012 seasons protecting Matt Ryan, but other years have been disappointing. Sambrailo is a little heavier than Baker (6-5, 301), and both players have short arms. Baker was a surprise first-round pick, but he should have gone on Day 2.
NFL Matches: Carolina, Tampa Bay, Tennessee, Oakland, Jacksonville, New York Giants, Cleveland, Green Bay, Kansas City, San Diego, Denver
There are a number of options for Sambrailo on the second day of the 2015 NFL Draft. The Panthers need to upgrade their offensive tackles, and Sambrailo could be a fit for them. Carolina could easily miss out on the top offensive tackles, so Sambrailo could be the best value for the organization in the second round.
The Bucs need a left tackle of the future and a guard to pair with Logan Mankins. Sambrailo could be a great fit for Tampa Bay to lead off the third round as he could step in at guard or right tackle. In time, the Buccaneers may develop him into a starting left tackle.
Tennessee has more pressing needs than left guard or right tackle, but if Sambrailo is the best player available at pick No. 66, he could be the selection for the Titans. The Raiders also have bigger needs, but Donald Penn is no spring chicken, so Sambrailo could be groomed on the bench to replace Penn in 2016.
The Jaguars also make a lot of sense for Sambrailo. Their offensive line was dreadful in 2014, so he could be an improvement at guard or right tackle.
The Giants are looking to improve their offensive line, and Sambrailo could be a fit for them in Round 2. He is a similar player to their 2014 NFL Draft pick, Weston Richburg, a teammate of Sambrailo at Colorado State. Cleveland could use more talent on the inside and at right tackle. Sambrailo would be an option for the Browns in the second round.
Green Bay could lose Bryan Bulaga in free agency, and Sambrailo might interest the Packers for right tackle. Green Bay has taken similar players to Sambrailo in other NFL drafts.
The Broncos, Chiefs and Chargers also need a lot of help on their offensive lines. All three teams are in the position of needing interior help with Kansas City and San Diego potentially needing long-term starters at left tackle. Sambrailo could easily land with one of these AFC West teams.
RELATED LINKS:
2015 NFL Mock Draft: Charlie’s | Walt’s
2015 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings
2015 NFL Draft Scouting Reports
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