The NFL Draft is about a month away, and college teams around the country have been holding their Pro Days. Syracuse’s was earlier this week, and four names appear to be drawing the most buzz. Let’s take a look at some key plays from their careers and how they might affect their draft stock.
MIKEL JONES
The emotional leader of the defense, Jones was a calming presence as Stefon Thompson and Garrett Williams went down to injury. Even as the Orange season turned into a disaster, Jones still found way to make big plays.
This is an excellent open-field tackle in what was otherwise an awful game for Syracuse. It’s perfect fundamental football; brought down low, otherwise an athletic quarterback like Jordan Travis (and there are plenty of them in the NFL) would break it easily.
MATTHEW BERGERON
The heart and soul of the SU offense, many mock drafts have Bergeron as the first Orange player picked this year. And there’s good reason for it.
When Bergeron was at his best, the SU offense was at its best. Whether it be giving Garrett Shrader plenty of time to make the right read or creating open field for Sean Tucker (more on him later), difference-maker is an understatement to describe the Canadian. Bergeron held his own with some of the best defensive linemen in the country all season.
GARRETT WILLIAMS
You have to wonder what the rest of Syracuse’s season would look like if Williams didn’t tear his ACL against Notre Dame. The Orange season went downhill in a hurry. Then again, when you lose someone who can make athletic plays like this, the job gets a lot tougher.
Malik Cunningham owned Syracuse up until this game, and this looked like a touchdown for the taking until Williams came swooping in. It’s reminiscent of a play Jason McCourty made in the Patriots-Rams Super Bowl four years ago. That played a huge role in nabbing a win for New England, and Williams’ interception halted a serious offensive threat from the Cardinals.
SEAN TUCKER
The most notable name to SU fans, Tucker didn’t participate in pro day due to a medical issue, but his resume speaks for itself. Tucker broke the Syracuse single-season rushing record in 2021. He wasn’t as prolific in 2022, but he was still a major force to be reckoned with.
To see Tucker excelling in the passing game is a sight to behold. When he gets open space, especially with a blocker in front of him, it’s game over whether it’s as a pass catcher or a rusher. Tucker’s name isn’t as high on draft boards as Bergeron and Williams, but in an age where running backs come and go in the NFL, Tucker could play a key role on a roster very soon.
