Inside the Loud House
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Syracuse Football: NFL Draft stock update on top Orange prospects

By Paul A. Esden Jr.

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 27: Commissioner of the National Football League Roger Goodell speaks during the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art on April 27, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 27: Commissioner of the National Football League Roger Goodell speaks during the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art on April 27, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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Zaire Franklin, Linebacker, Syracuse Orange

  • Priority free agent (draft projection)
  • 6-foot-1
  • 239 pounds
  • 4.62 40 yard dash
  • 31 1/2 arms
  • 9 1/2 hands
  • 77 1/8 wingspan
  • 36th rated linebacker (per Dane Brugler)

If you would’ve asked me before I saw any scouting reports or talked to any of my NFL Draft scouts and buddies, I would’ve told you that Franklin is a future pro. While he isn’t the biggest linebacker in the world, he packs a lot of meat on that frame.

Take this for what you will, at the Syracuse football Pro Day, Franklin was tied with running the fastest 40 yard dash time. That includes skill position players and I think that speaks more so to Franklin’s athleticism as opposed to the lack there of from the other prospects from Syracuse.

I don’t care what the measurements say, I know what I see and Franklin passes the eye test. He’s a leader, he’s ferocious, and he’s a guy that has that killer instinct. Mark it down, if I had to put money on any of these prospects to make it at the next level. My money would be on Franklin, he’s got a relentless aggression and motor that never quits.

Here are some highlights from Dane Brugler’s 2018 scouting report:

"“Franklin became the starting MIKE linebacker as a sophomore and accounted for 311 tackles over 39 straight starts, earning the rare distinction of being voted a three-year team captain. He attacks the line of scrimmage like a battering ram, competing with ferocious conviction and temperament. However, he is short-armed and plays so fast that he will overrun his target at times and needs to better come to balance and finish. He does a nice job as a zone dropper, but lacks the movement skills to stick with tight ends in man coverage. Overall, Franklin is a fast-flowing tone-setter with NFL make-up, but he will need to overcome his physical limitations to stick on a NFL roster.”"

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