DENVER — The Broncos’ 53-man roster began taking shape with the departure of a former high draft pick. Denver shipped ex-Colorado State star Ty Sambrailo to the Atlanta Falcons for a fifth-round pick in 2018, the team confirmed Friday morning.
Sambrailo sat on the bubble with the Broncos, losing ground in the battle for playing time at left and right tackle spots. He played center on Thursday in an attempt to enhance his value, but has not been able to produce consistently since the first month of his rookie season.
The Broncos drafted Garett Bolles in the first round to unseat Sambrailo at left tackle. The rookie won the job early in training camp. Denver’s trade of Sambrailo could open a spot for Billy Turner or Michael Schofield to stick as a reserve lineman.
Sambrailo was the 59th overall pick in the 2015 draft, but only started 13 games over the past two seasons due to elbow and shoulder injuries and ineffectiveness.
We have agreed to trade OL Ty Sambrailo to Atlanta for its 5th round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) September 1, 2017