Buffaloes Offensive Lineman Draws Injury Concern at Colorado Pro Day

A Colorado Buffaloes draft-hopeful offensive lineman’s Pro Day did not go according to plan.

Dec 28, 2024; San Antonio, TX, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders jogs on the field before the game against the Brigham Young Cougars at Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

At the Colorado Buffaloes’ 2026 Pro Day on Tuesday, one NFL Draft hopeful didn’t live up to expectations in his testing.

Colorado offensive lineman Zylon Crisler sustained a detrimental injury amid lackluster testing and now awaits the NFL Draft and calls for preseason roster spots.

Vertical And Broad Jump

Apr 19, 2025; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes offensive lineman Zylon Crisler (72) during the spring game at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images | Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Crisler’s day got off to a rough start as he recorded a 20.5-inch vertical jump. That marked the second-worst vertical jump among the participating Buffaloes at Tuesday’s showcase, as Crisler showed visible frustration with his performance.

Oddly, Crisler was one of two non-kickers to opt out of the broad jump, potentially leaving money on the table where he could’ve added to his draft stock.

While jumping isn’t the most necessary evaluation for offensive linemen, it certainly helped his teammate, offensive lineman Xavier Hill, stand out early. The 6-4, 320-pound lineman recorded a 30-inch vertical, tied with linebackers Martavius French and Jeremiah Brown, and an inch better than linebacker Reginald Hughes.

There were murmurs from scouts surrounding Hill for the rest of the showcase, and he was approached by representatives of multiple NFL teams as the day went along.

For Crisler, though, he never had an opportunity to make up for his underperformance in the early testing.

40-yard dash

Apr 4, 2025; Boulder, CO, USA; Athletes work out at the University of Colorado NFL Showcase at the CU Indoor Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Michael Ciaglo-Imagn Images | Michael Ciaglo-Imagn Images

During Crisler’s first attempt at running the 40-yard dash, he slowed up after approximately 15 to 20 yards, cancelling his attempt and walking out of the drill with a limp. He seemed to be battling a pretty major injury, a theory that was proven more likely as the day continued.

Crisler participated in no further testing or drills for the rest of CU’s Pro Day and declined to speak to the media afterwards. 

The Rest of Zylon Crisler’s Pro Day

Nov 18, 2023; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive end Joe Evans (13) pursues Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback John Paddock (4) as offensive lineman Zy Crisler (72) looks on during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images | Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

His reasoning for declining the press conference could be for a variety of things. Whether it was out of pure frustration or fear of being asked a question about his new injury that could hurt his draft stock, Crisler’s choice made sense at the conclusion of a rough showcase.

However, it could’ve presented an opportunity to give a message to NFL teams. He could’ve used it as a chance to present his character to NFL franchises, or franchises from other leagues such as the Canadian Football League (a representative of one CFL franchise was in attendance for Colorado’s Pro Day) or the United Football League. 

Crisler’s character has always been praised by CU players and media alike, and it could have been presented as the strength it is.

The extent of Crisler’s injury is still unknown, but the testing and drills he missed even included positional drills, which have no tracked statistics.

Crisler’s teammate, French, was also injured during the 40-yard dash but was able to continue, though not without hindrance, through the rest of his drills. This is a bad sign for Crisler’s draft stock, as it likely means his injury is on the more serious side if it was enough to keep him off the field on a day so important to the rest of his career.

Sign up to our free newsletter and follow us on Facebook for the latest news.