The 2019 NFL Draft is in the rearview mirror and one Orange player heard his name called. Chris Slayton’s seventh round selection by the Giants gave SU a pick in back to back drafts for the first time since 2013 and 2014. While Syracuse only had one guy selected, a number of players also latched on with other teams and will be in their rookie camps. Here is the complete breakdown of where each Orange player is headed:
Chris Slayton – 7th round, Pick 245 by New York Giants
Slayton was a guy who Dino Babers always said would play on Sundays and now he can finally see the payoff. While people may criticize the Giants’ draft because of the Daniel Jones pick at sixth overall, they stole Slayton with their final pick. Some places projected them as high as a fifth rounder, so Dave Gettleman and company may have gotten a steal late in the draft.
Eric Dungey – TBD
This is the Orange elephant in the room. Dungey was not taken in the draft, which may not come as a surprise to many. But he also hasn’t signed with a team yet. However, it may be more of Dungey evaluation his options as opposed to trying to draw interest.
Per source: 10 NFL teams, including the Miami #Dolphins, have been in contact with Eric Dungey as recently as the beginning of this week
Dungey is an interesting prospect on day 3. Teams looking to replicate what the Saints have done with Taysom Hill will have him circled
— Alex Barth (@RealAlexBarth) April 27, 2019
He can be a game changer if given the opportunity. I’m sure we’ll see him with a team sooner rather than later.
Koda Martin – Undrafted Free Agent, San Diego Chargers
Martin was one of the first to sign with a team. He’s joining a San Diego team that finished third to last in offensive line play last season, per Pro Football Focus. There’s no guarantees he makes the roster. But if he impresses in camp, he’ll give himself a chance to revive a struggling unit.
Cody Conway – Undrafted Free Agent, Tennessee Titans
Conway got picked up by the draft’s host team. But unlike the offensive line situation Martin steps into, the unit Conway is joining was ranked ninth in the league. It may be a steeper climb for Conway, but a good camp can change all that.
Jamal Custis – Undrafted Free Agent, Kansas City Chiefs
Custis is an intriguing prospect because of his metrics. He’s a big body at 6-foot-4 and has 4.5 speed on the outside. He’s got special teams experience as well, which is always a good way to find a spot on the roster. He’ll have to continue to prove himself as a wideout if that’s where he wants to end up. But circumstances surrounding Tyreek Hill may also play a factor as to whether or not Custis gets a chance at receiver.
Dontae Strickland – Undrafted Free Agent, Arizona Cardinals
Strickland joins a rookie class that features the draft’s top pick in quarterback Kyler Murray. While he didn’t blow the roof off the competition in college, he impressed Arizona enough to give him a chance. The Cardinals needed a backup running back, but they didn’t address that need in their actual picks. While David Johnson is a do-it-all back, you can’t have guys play every snap at that position. If Strickland can prove that he can catch the ball and pass block, he may get an opportunity with a squad yearning for a backup.
Ravian Pierce – TBD
This is a puzzling one with the tight end position getting more and more offensive oriented. Pierce offers the size that you want and you would think a team would be interested in someone who thrived offensively when given an opportunity.
Ryan Guthrie – TBD
No signs of a pickup yet for Guthrie. He finished as an All-ACC second team player after working his way up from the JUCO ranks. If a team signs him, they’ll know they’re getting a hard worker.
Kielan Whitner – TBD
Whitner has also yet to be claimed. An interesting potential for Whitner could be a position change. While he played linebacker for his senior season, the majority of his time was spent at safety. He is a little undersized for an NFL linebacker, but a team may see his metrics as a defensive back and take a chance on him there.
