The calls didn’t come during the 2026 NFL Draft. They came after.
And for Colorado, they came in waves.
Within hours of the draft ending, the Buffaloes saw multiple players land NFL opportunities, not through selections on the stage, but through undrafted free agent deals and rookie minicamp invites. It’s a different path, but one that still leads to the same place.
Cornerback Preston Hodge is heading to the Jacksonville Jaguars, while defensive end Arden Walker signed with the Minnesota Vikings after sliding out of the draft.
Defensive lineman Anquin Barnes Jr. landed with the New York Giants, wide receiver Sincere Brown signed with the Los Angeles Chargers, and offensive lineman Xavier Hill will get his shot with the New York Jets.
Quarterback Kaidon Salter earned a rookie minicamp invite with the Tennessee Titans, while edge rusher Keaten Wade will get a look from the Kansas City Chiefs.
Defensive lineman Amari McNeill added another layer to the post-draft movement, picking up rookie minicamp invites from both the Carolina Panthers and Kansas City Chiefs, giving him multiple chances to earn a contract.
Shortly after those moves, Colorado head coach Deion Sanders summed up the moment on social media.
“Thank You Jesus!”
Simple and direct. Because this wasn’t about draft positions. It was about doors opening. And not every door has opened yet.
Linebackers Jeremiah Brown and Martavius French, along with offensive lineman Zylon Crisler and defensive lineman Zarian McGill, have not yet been connected to deals or invites as of now.
McGill gave voice to that side of the process.
“Just need an opportunity,” he posted on social media.
That’s the part of draft weekend that doesn’t get announced. Some players hear their names attached to teams immediately. Others wait. And for some, it stretches beyond the weekend.
This Colorado class is living both sides of that reality.
A year removed from sending star power into the league, this group is taking a different route. The next phase won’t be defined by draft position, but by what happens next in rookie minicamps, OTAs, and training camp battles.
Because for those who have already landed, the opportunity is just beginning. And for those still waiting, it only takes one call.
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