After the 2016 NFL Draft concluded Saturday evening, three former Colorado State football players signed free agent contracts after not hearing their names called in the draft.
Offensive lineman and Fort Collins product Sam Carlson signed with the Tennessee Titans. Carlson has started all 26 games for the Rams over the past two season. He was part of a frontline unit that ranked 11th in the nation in tackles for loss allowed (4.62 per game), and 22nd in sacks allowed (1.17 per game).
Tight end Kivon Cartwright signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after also receiving interest from Tennessee, Cleveland and Carolina. The Pueblo, Colorado native finished his CSU career with 75 receptions for 1,136 yard and 11 touchdowns. He was named an All-Mountain West Honorable Mention twice, first in 2013 after posting 462 receiving yards and six touchdowns. After receiving an NCAA waiver in 2014, he again was named All-MW Honorable Mention last season after recording 279 yards and two touchdowns.
Cornerback DeAndre Elliott signed with the Seattle Seahawks. He started 11 games in 2015 and finished tied for a team-best two interceptions. He also recorded 32 tackles, four pass breakups and one blocked kick last season. In his career, Elliott has 124 tackles, 27 pass breakups, seven interceptions (including one that was returned 76 yards for a touchdown) and two fumble recoveries.
Collegian Sports Editor Emmett McCarthy can be reached at sports@collegian.com and on Twitter @emccarthy22.