Syracuse Football: Zaire Franklin, Cameron Lynch projected to make roster

Several former Syracuse football players have made their claim to make a NFL roster including Zaire Franklin and Cameron Lynch.

The annual bloodbath in the NFL comes Saturday September 1st at 4:00 p.m. It’s a relatively new NFL rule where each of the 32 franchises will trim their rosters from 90 men to 53.

A necessary evil certainly, but Syracuse football fans are hoping that Orange blood isn’t spilled this upcoming weekend. If ESPN’s NFL Nation reporters have any feel for how things are going it seems like several Orange players have impressed enough to claim one of those precious spots.

Offense:

Justin Pugh, guard, Arizona Cardinals

No surprise here. Pugh got P-A-I-D this offseason (specifically a five year $45 million deal), so of course he was making the roster. The big question is can he keep the ever so fragile Sam Bradford upright and can he open up rushing lanes for a potential MVP candidate in David Johnson. It was a bummer to see him leave New York after spending so many years here, but we wish him well out in the desert.

Defense:

Chandler Jones, defensive end, Arizona Cardinals

Again another shocker here I’m sure, but the guy who led the NFL in sacks last year is making the Cardinals roster. Chandler is 28 years old, in the thick of his prime and if he stays on the same trajectory he’s on, you’ll see him in Canton, Ohio immortalized among the greatest of all time.

Zaire Franklin, linebacker, Indianapolis Colts

It seems like Zaire Franklin has answered his former coach’s call with Dino Babers labeling Zaire ‘uncuttable’. It seems like the ESPN staff feels the same way. Franklin is among seven linebackers who are projected to make the team. Nothing is guaranteed in football so to see a seventh round pick make a NFL roster (at least projected) should make Syracuse fans feel pretty good.

Cameron Lynch, linebacker, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 

Lynch entered the league back in 2015 as an undrafted free agent and has made a few appearances on HBO’s Hard Knocks with the Los Angeles Rams and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. But he’s more than just a television celebrity, he’s a NFL linebacker.

Special teams:

Riley Dixon, punter, New York Giants

This was decided a few weeks back, as we documented earlier this offseason. I got to sitdown with him at Giants camp and he seems to be reinvigorated in his new spot with the New York Giants. Dixon does not have freedom on special teams to do trick plays whenever he wants, but did indicate that when the play is called he does feel giddy.

Players who aren’t projected to make the NFL roster:

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Now before we get into it here, this is the brutal reality of the National Football League. Only so many guys can make a roster at the end of the day. But if the ESPN prognosticators are right and this batch of players don’t make the team, the dream isn’t over.

In fact there’s going to be what I call a ‘wild wild west waiver wire period’. Sure some of these guys make get their walking papers, but other teams can put in claims and bring them onto their active rosters or worst case their practice squads.

Steve Ishmael, wide receiver, Indianapolis Colts

This one surprises me because it seemed like everything around the wide receiver position benefited Ishmael. The Colts lost talented rookie Deon Cain to a torn ACL. Not that you ever root for injuries, but that opened up a roster spot at the position that would’ve otherwise went to Cain. Overall the depth chart is pretty weak after TY Hilton, which also in theory opens up a door. Many scouts labeled Ishmael ‘as one of the hottest priority free agent signings after the 2018 NFL Draft.’ If not the Colts, he’ll find a home somewhere.

Amba Etta-Tawo, wide receiver, New York Giants

I spoke with Giants head coach Pat Shurmur who said Amba has been making plays throughout Giants training camp and it was making it tough on the coaching staff. Amba isn’t a perfect prospect, I’ll be the first to admit that, but he certainly has the raw tools. The thing I disagree with as it pertains to the ESPN prediction is the Giants ‘only’ keeping five wide receivers. Typically a NFL team will carry between six and seven on a final roster.

Ervin Philips, wide receiver, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 

Versatility is the name of Philips game. He started out at Syracuse as a running back, converted to wide receiver, and is currently the all-time reception leader on the hill. Pretty impressive. Now he’s fighting for his NFL life to make the Buccaneers roster. It’s tough sledding, this Buccaneers team is DEEP at receiver with guys like Mike Evans, DeSean Jackson, and Chris Godwin to name a few. If Philips doesn’t make the team, it may say more about the depth, than him as a player.

Jamar McGloster, offensive tackle, Detroit Lions

We recently spoke with former Syracuse tackle Jamar McGloster (you can hear the full interview from ‘Drive Time Sports’ below). He has spent time with the San Francisco 49ers and now the Lions this offseason. Its not about what Jamar can do for you tomorrow, it’s about what he can do for you a year or so down the line. An uber talented player that just needs some refining.

Andrew Tiller, guard, New Orleans Saints

The starting five offensive linemen for the Saints are one of the best in the entire league. The depth is another question entirely. Tiller has as much chance as any of the backup players, it’s ultimately all about preference. He actually was drafted by the Saints back in 2012 and has bounced around the league ever since.

Jay Bromley, defensive tackle, New Orleans Saints

Staying in the bayou, it’s disappointing to see Jay Bromley on this list because I thought he’s been exceptional since signing with the Saints. Apparently the ESPN peeps agree saying this:

"“This is a good place to bet on a long shot — but which one? I have Lawrence making the roster ahead of fellow DTs Jay Bromley and Taylor Stallworth after all three of them impressed this summer.”"

‘All three of them have impressed’, so if that’s truly the case, then its anyone’s guess on who cracks the rotation. But I feel adamant that Bromley will be on a NFL roster this fall, less so about his pass rushing prowess, more so about his ability to clog running lanes.

Shamarko Thomas, safety, Denver Broncos

Finally the last player to evaluate on this list is former Syracuse safety Shamarko Thomas. He hasn’t had much time to adapt to the Mile High atmosphere, but he’s in a really good spot. There’s been injuries and depth issues for a while, Thomas may make the team based off of his abilities on special teams and I would expect that he defies the odds and makes the roster for the Orange Crush.