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Colts Sign Former Seahawk Kristjan Sokoli to Practice Squad

By Luke Schultheis

Jan 3, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Seattle Seahawks center Kristjan Sokoli (67) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Seattle Seahawks center Kristjan Sokoli (67) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Indianapolis Colts announced on Monday that the team has signed defensive end Kristjan Sokoli to their practice squad.

Originally a 6th round pick of the Seattle Seahawks in the 2015 NFL Draft, the 6’5″, 300 pound Sokoli appeared in 1 game for his former team this past season, only at offensive guard instead. He was the first Albanian-born player to play in an NFL game.

Nevertheless, Sokoli was released by the Seahawks in late August as part of the team’s 75-man roster cuts.

The Colts will convert Sokoli back to the defensive line; however, where he played full-time at the University of Buffalo. The former Bulls standout appeared in 10 games during his senior season, recording 32 tackles and 3 tackles for loss.

Here’s a snippet from his NFL.com Draft Profile and Pro Day workout from a year ago:

"BOTTOM LINEAthletic frame on a natural 5­-technique who was forced inside into a nose spot in Buffalo. He plays with good arm extension and strength, but pass rushing is limited and will have to prove he can unlock explosiveness that his pro day unearthed."

"Kristjan Sokoli (6-foot-5, 290 pounds), a defensive lineman, ran the 40 in 4.84 and 4.88 seconds. He had a 38-inch vertical and 9-11 broad jump. He had a 4.36 short shuttle and 7.25 3-cone drill. And he had 31 strength lifts. Sokoli has had four team visits — with the Seattle Seahawks, Indianapolis Colts,New York Jets, and New York Giants. The Patriots also worked him out at his pro day. Sokoli will probably be a seventh-round pick or priority free agent."

Having played defensive end, tight end, left tackle, punter, and kicker in high school, Sokoli seems like a good all-around athlete, who the Colts will look to bring along as a developmental defensive lineman.

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