Four Colorado Buffaloes heard their name called in the NFL Draft, four were signed as undrafted free agents to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Jacksonville Jaguars, and now three more Buffs are getting their opportunity.

Offensive guard Justin Mayers and safety Herman Smith III received rookie minicamp invites from the Denver Broncos and Las Vegas Raiders. The Buffs now have 10 players getting their chance in the NFL.

Mayers played in 11 games in his one season with Colorado, with seven starts at left guard and right guard. Mayers joined the Buffs in 2023 and played the fifth-most snaps on the offensive line with 484. In 366 pass blocking snaps, he allowed two sacks, five hurries and seven pressures.

At Colorado’s Pro Day, Mayers drew attention for his performance, with a bench press and vertical jump that would have put him in the top ten at the NFL Combine. Mayers could carve out a spot on the Broncos’ roster thanks to his versatility on the interior. He could earn a backup role or a place on the practice squad on the Broncos roster.

Smith was primarily a special-teams player and played in all 12 regular-season games. He played the sixth-most snaps on special teams, tallying five tackles. Smith could have a chance to make the Raiders as a special teams player with his speed and 6-foot-2 frame.

Whether Mayers or Smith make an NFL 53-man roster or not, they add to the group of 2024 Buffs now getting NFL looks.

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