Syracuse had an awful 2014 season, but there were individuals who excelled for the Orange and will be continuing their careers in the NFL next year. Those select few made their way to Indianapolis and over the course of the past week showed off their skills at the NFL Combine. Here’s a look at how they did and when you should expect to hear their names called when the draft rolls around.
Durell Eskridge
Eskridge could have come back a fifth year at Syracuse (and some think that he should have), but he instead elected for the pros. Eskridge’s broad jump of 9 feet 9 inches was the only thing that stood out at the combine, a number that early on was among the top of the pack. His 40 time of 4.63 was good but not great, and he was average in all other events. Eskridge is the fifth-best free safety available, according to CBS Sports, and is projected to go in the fourth round.
Sean Hickey
Hickey put up the most impressive number of the Syracuse players at the Combine with 35 reps in the bench press. The number was good enough for third-best among all offensive linemen, and Hickey claims that he can do better. He told Syracuse.com that less than a week before he had posted 43 reps. A hamstring injury forced Hickey out of the 40-yard dash and other events, but he plans to do all events at Syracuse’s Pro Day, according to Syracuse.com. CBS Sports has Hickey going in the fifth or sixth round, and ranks him as the 16th best offensive tackle in the draft.
Dyshawn Davis
In what was called a snub by CBS’s Dane Brugler, Davis was not invited to the Combine. In his senior year Davis finished with a career-high 71 tackles, and his performance was good enough to make him the 30th ranked outside linebacker in the draft. CBS says he’ll either go in the final round or get picked up as an undrafted free agent.
On April 30 the NFL Draft will have a new home of Chicago, Illinois and so too will these former Syracuse players. Syracuse’s Pro Day on March 26 will be the last chance for these players to catch the attention of NFL teams before draft day.
Posted:  Nathan Dickinson
