As we approach the 2018 NFL Draft, ITLH will provide NFL Draft stock updates for all the former Syracuse football stars in the draft.
It’s truly one of the most exciting times of the year. NFL dreams are realized and we get to see Syracuse football stars make the next step in their lives. Well here’s to hoping that several Syracuse stars hear their names called during the NFL Draft.
To get a better scope of who has the best chance of that happening, we went through one of the top NFL Draft analysts in the game and that’s Dane Brugler. Our guy Dane provided NFL Draft stock updates/grades for every eligible player on the Orange. It’s a must for ANY NFL Draft fan, if you’d like to purchase your copy it’s only $9.99, you can buy it here.
From everything I’m hearing it sure sounds like the Orange are going to find a way to get at least one player drafted, if not more. While the program hasn’t been the success it has in the past, it seems like Dino Babers is helping turn the corner.
More Orange players in the NFL is going to help sell that message. With that being said here are the highlights of former Orange stars who could hear their name called in the 2018 NFL Draft.
Steve Ishmael, Wide Receiver, Syracuse Orange
- 6th-7th (draft projection)
- 6-foot-2
- 212 pounds
- 4.59 40 yard dash
- 31 3/4 arms
- 9 1/2 hands
- 75 3/4 wingspan
- 35th rated receiver in this class (per Dane Brugler)
The player who seemingly has the best chance to get drafted is none other than Steve Ishmael. He was one of those late bloomers, but his last year in Orange was his best.
Despite being SU’s all-time leader in career receiving yardage (passing Pro Football Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison), he has several weaknesses in his game. As you can see by his 40 yard dash, he won’t be blowing by anyone. But that’s okay because there are several different types of receivers in the league.
Where Ishmael excels is in 50-50 ball situations. He’s got a flexible frame and he has that mentality to go get it. That has helped in red zone situations and challenging throws toward the sideline.
Here are some highlights from Dane Brugler’s 2018 scouting report:
"“Ishmael uses his rangy frame to win body position at all levels of the field, not allowing cornerbacks to disrupt his rhythm. He pushes off the line and hits his landmarks, but lacks clear suddenness or long-speed to easily uncover in/out of breaks or vertically. Overall, Ishmael isn’t the most efficient route-runner, but he is physical to the ball and plays with the toughness that could separate him once he gets into a camp.”"
Jamar McGloster, Offensive tackle, Syracuse Orange
- Priority free agent (draft projection)
- 6-foot-6
- 316 pounds
- 5.32 40 yard dash
- 34 7/8 arms
- 9 3/4 hands
- 82 1/8 wingspan
- 28th rated offensive tackle (per Dane Brugler)
The NFL loves big and lanky tackles, that is what Jamar McGloster brings on paper. He’s been picking up a lot of steam with invites from the Reese’s Senior Bowl and local Pro Day invites with the New York Jets and New York Giants.
Obviously the pros are as interested as Syracuse was when they recruited this big hunk of clay to Central New York. Currently McGloster isn’t projected as a draft pick, but that could change as we get closer to the draft.
Both of the New York teams that kicked the tires could make an investment into this talented but raw player. Really the NFL Draft isn’t solely about what can you do for me now, a lot of it frankly is projection. What can you do for me in the future?
Here are some highlights from Dane Brugler’s 2018 scouting report:
"“Syracuse took a chance on his potential and spent a few seasons developing his raw talent before he took over the starting right tackle job in 2016, starting 24 straight games to finish his career. McGloster looks the part with a tall, long frame and enough bounce in his steps to cut off edge speed. He is still noticeably raw in areas, specifically with his passive punch, lacking the stone hands to slow down rushers. His lack of functional strength also stands out in the run game, struggling to latch-and-drive. Overall, McGloster is a basketball player trying to play football with inconsistent results due to his immature technique and passive play style.”"
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.”"
Best of the rest
Erv Phillips
- 5-foot-11
- 180 pounds
- 4.58 40 yard dash
- 62 rated receiver (per Dane Brugler)
Erv is one of the forgotten players in this class for the Orange. He was overshadowed by Ishmael and his smallish stature isn’t going to do him any favors in the NFL Draft evaluation process.
Parris Bennett
- 6-foot
- 217 pounds
- 4.77 40 yard dash
- 64th rated linebacker (per Dane Brugler)
Speaking of playing in the shadow of other stars on the team, that’s the definition of Parris Bennett with his time in Syracuse. Everyone always talks about Zaire Franklin (for good reason) because of the crazy intangibles he brings to the table. Also I was at the Cuse Pro Day in March and he has one of the most chiseled frames I’ve ever seen, that doesn’t hurt. But I’ve seen Bennett appear in multiple mock drafts in the 6th-7th round range, so this will be an interesting name to keep an eye on due to his versatility.
Jordan Martin
- 6-foot-2
- 203 pounds
- 4.53 40 yard dash
- 64th rated cornerback (per Dane Brugler)
Martin is going to be hurt by the limited production. Also a ton of durability concerns and those two factoids makes it seem like a prosperous NFL career is unlikely.
Cole Murphy
- 6-foot-3
- 207 pounds
- 4.95 40 yard dash
- 10th rated specialist (per Dane Brugler)
Next: Syracuse Basketball: 2017-18 Season Report Card
Just when I thought a really cool story could be in the mix, it died before it had a chance. The last Syracuse player drafted was Riley Dixon by the Denver Broncos. A Broncos scout spent a lot of time with Murphy following Pro Day. I thought to myself a match made in heaven! We’ll have an Orange kicker plus punter combo with the Orange Crush. With their recent addition of Marquette King, that seems very unlikely. That doesn’t rule out Murphy who should get some looks at the next level.