BOULDER — At least five former Colorado Buffaloes were signing free agent contracts Saturday night after the conclusion of the NFL Draft.

The Buffs did not have a player selected in the 2016 draft.

Among those signing free agent deals were running back Christian Powell with the Pittsburgh Steelers, offensive lineman Stephane Nembot with the Baltimore Ravens, defensive back Ken Crawley with the New Orleans Saints, wide receiver Nelson Spruce with the Los Angeles Rams and safety Jered Bell with the San Francisco 49ers.

Powell, who led the Buffs in rushing three of his four years at CU, said the Steelers had been in contact with him before the draft.

“They told my agent they had an interest in me,” Powell said. “I'm glad to get the opportunity. I'll play my role and do anything I can to make the squad.”

Powell led the Buffs in rushing in his freshman, sophomore and junior seasons, and finished his career as CU's 17th all-time leading rusher with 2,040 yards, and he also finished with 18 career touchdowns and 33 receptions.

Nembot started 42 games in his CU career, including the final 37 (every game from his sophomore through senior seasons).

“It's a great place for me,” Nembot said. “It's where I want to be. They kept in contact with me from the beginning and were honest with me. I'm just looking for a place to compete. If it works out, great. If not — I will go find a job. Professional football has always been Plan B with me, not Plan A.”

Spruce finished his career with more than 40 CU records to his credit, as well as the Pac-12 all-time record for receptions (294). Among Spruce's other CU records were receiving yards (3,347) and touchdown catches (23).The Rams also spent a pair of draft picks on receivers, selecting South Carolina's Pharoh Cooper in the third round and Southern Mississippi's Mike Thomas in the sixth.

Spruce, who grew up near the Rams' new headquarters, had a personal workout with Los Angeles earlier this spring.

Crawley, a three-year starter for CU, played nearly 80 percent of CU's defensive snaps over his four-year career and finished his career third on CU's pass deflection chart (36). The Saints did not add any defensive backs in the draft.

Bell overcame two serious knee injuries at Colorado to finish with seven career interceptions, tied for 22nd on CU's all-time list.

Contact: Neill.Woelk@Colorado.edu





