Stephens: Mayock expects 2 CSU Rams to be NFL draft picks

I hopped on the conference call with NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock on Thursday morning to get his thoughts on the core group of CSU players hoping to hear their names called next week in Chicago.

For the most part, Mayock said, the 2015 NFL draft has a very weak quarterback class; however, he's growing fond of Garrett Grayson, who passed for more than 4,000 yards with 32 touchdowns and seven interceptions at Colorado State University in the fall.

Grayson has moved up on Mayock's board from being the No. 5 quarterback in the draft to No. 4, a spot behind Baylor's Bryce Petty.

"To me, Garrett Grayson, the more tape I watch, the more I felt like I appreciated his game. He's one of the few quarterbacks you see who throws with anticipation, timing, throws to people open," Mayock said. "He doesn't overwhelm you with physical traits, kind of average size, pretty good arm, pretty good athlete, but when you add all the individual parts together, the components all fit very well.

"Do I think he's a dynamic starting NFL quarterback? Probably not, but I think he's going to play in the league for a lot of years."

Mayock added that he's liked what he's seen from CSU offensive lineman Ty Sambrailo, who's a solid third-round draft pick. Linebacker Aaron Davis and cornerback Bernard Blake are two players he sees as priority free agents and doesn't anticipate them being drafted.

As far as other Mountain West stars are concerned, Mayock discussed Boise State running back Jay Ajayi, who finished second in Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year voting behind Grayson. Mayock said he originally looked at Ajayi as a player who would easily go in the middle of the second round, but since injury issues with his knee have surfaced, teams are having mixed opinions on him.

Mayock sees Ajayi slipping to a later second-round pick or possibly going early in the third round. The knee isn't a huge deterrent, but is playing a role in his projected status. Ajayi, a junior, rushed for 1,823 yards and 28 touchdowns last season on 347 carries.

The 2015 NFL draft begins April 30.

For insight and analysis on athletics around Northern Colorado and the Mountain West, follow sports columnist Matt L. Stephens at twitter.com/mattstephens and facebook.com/stephensreporting.