Several Notable Syracuse Football Players Made MMQB 400 List

There are several former Syracuse football players in the NFL. But are any of them good enough to crack the top-400? We investigated.

Every year Sports Illustated comes out with the MMQB Top 400 players in the NFL today.

So we here at ITLH thought it’d be interesting to head dive into the list to see if any former Syracuse football players made the cut.

We were startled to see that not as many players were on the list as we expected. Although I’m not sure startled is the right word, but it’s always cool to see Cuse players in the NFL having success.

So here are the three players on the list via MMQB Top 400:

103. Chandler Jones, Arizona Cardinals, 3-4 OLB

The highest ranked player on this list is none other than former first round pick out of Syracuse, Chandler Jones. The versatile and lengthy playmaker has excelled since being taken 21st overall in the 2012 NFL Draft.

In five seasons, Jones has accumulated 47 sacks, four forced fumbles, and an interception. He won a Super Bowl ring with the New England Patriots. Also has appeared in one Pro Bowl (2015). To avoid paying Jones a massive extension, the Patriots shipped Jones to Arizona.

Speaking of Jones received a massive contract extension this offseason that paid nearly $83m over the next five seasons. Although as we’ll soon learn contract extensions and money will be prevalent with all of the players on this list.

While Jones has met success, he has dealt with some off the field issues. It seems like Jones has his life figured out. The same can be said for his brother, Jon Jones, better known as Jonny Bones who will be fighting at UFC 214 this Saturday. Bones hasn’t fought in over a year and a half due to a variety of issues.

311. Justin Pugh, New York Giants, LG

While the next ‘active’ Orange player to make this list is another former first rounder in Justin

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Pugh. He has been as versatile as they come since joining the league back in the 2013 NFL Draft.

Pugh was initially drafted to protect two-time Super Bowl champion Eli Manning’s blind side. Since being drafted, Pugh has slid all over the trenches. Currently he resides at the left guard position, mostly because of injuries on the Giants roster.

Regardless of the position Pugh has had to learn he’s excelled. Which entering his contract year, Pugh is looking for a massive pay day. The Giants have yet to cough up the dough, forcing Pugh to play out the last year of his five-year rookie deal. As part of the new CBA, the Giants exercised his fifth year option which gave Pugh a nice pay raise on his salary.

Through the first four years of his deal, he made $8.5m. This season he’ll be making $8.8m which is more than he’s made combined through his first four years. Although that’ll be pocket change when he gets a new deal next offseason. Pugh will become one of the highest paid offensive linemen in NFL History.

257. Dwight Freeney, NFL Free Agent, 4-3 DE

Perhaps the most surprising name on this list isn’t even on a NFL team and that’s the living breathing legend, Dwight Freeney. Freeney has been chugging since 2002 in the pros and has crushed franchise records where ever he has been.

So far in his 15 seasons he has played for four different teams. 122.5 sacks, 46 forced fumbles, and has played in over 200 games. It’s video game numbers for the future Pro Football Hall of Famer.

Although being ranked as a top 300 player in the NFL is quite an accomplishment, Freeney isn’t quite done yet. He has revealed desires this offseason to “go out on top”. Freeney nearly accomplished that feat with the Atlanta Falcons last season when they infamously blew a 28-3 lead.

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That was the largest comeback in NFL history in a Super Bowl. The previous was a 10 point lead, so safe to say the Falcons will be remembering that for a long time. So Freeney took some time to think but is ready to come back and the Falcons apparently are very open to bringing the veteran back.

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