Several former Syracuse football players waited anxiously this weekend to see if they made an NFL roster. Here’s who did and didn’t make an NFL team.
Not one person understands what football players go through on cut day. That feeling is extrapolated 10 fold with the new NFL rule going from 90 men to 53. Which put Syracuse football fans on the edge of their seat, praying and hoping that we’d see a lot of Orange in the NFL this season.
More than a dozen Syracuse football players made it all the way through the preseason on a NFL team and nervously waited for the final cutdown. Plus the waiver wire period from Saturday through Sunday which could’ve provided another opportunity for a player on a new team.
Could we see the most Orange in the NFL this season that we’ve seen in the last several years? There’s good reason to believe that’ll be the case. So let’s stop beating around the bush and let’s get right to it.
We’ll break down the cuts in black and white terms, we’ll start off who missed it and then we’ll end on a positive note with who made it.
Here’s who just missed the cut…
Steve Ishmael – WR (Indianapolis Colts)
The reason ‘Indianapolis Colts’ is still in his bio above is because he didn’t make the active roster, but the next best thing happened: he made the practice squad. Ishmael was one of the most coveted priority free agents coming out of the 2018 NFL Draft and now you can see why.
For those who don’t know, the practice squad usually consists of up to 10 players and they’re put there to further develop and can ‘be called up’ during the season if the need arises. Fun fact, the other 31 teams can grab guys off of each other’s practice squads.
“He played in all four of the Colts’ preseason games this year, logging five receptions for 77 yards (15.4 avg.),” via the Colts’ press release.
Others who completely missed the cut:
Erv Philips – WR
After a hot and cold summer with Tampa Bay, ultimately the Bucs had other plans. His immediate future is unknown with no teams putting in a waiver claim or signing him to practice squad, yet.
Andrew Tiller – OG
Expect Tiller to find another home, he’s been surviving in the NFL since 2012, I don’t expect that his time is done in the pros just yet.
Jay Bromley – DT
Surprised by this cut, he really impressed in the summer and another team will soon pick up this veteran.
Shamarko Thomas – S
Did not make the final 53 after coming over late from the Indianapolis Colts. A positive note on this one, Denver Broncos Insider Troy Renck said don’t be surprised if Thomas is brought back after Week 1 (which means his contract will not be fully guaranteed at that point).
Amba Etta-Tawo – WR
After talking with him at Giants Camp, it seemed like a lot of positive energy on 1 Giants Drive that he’d make the team. In his final opportunity to impress he made his biggest play of the Summer with a 41-yard touchdown in the final preseason game.
Here’s who made an NFL roster…
Zaire Franklin – LB (Indianapolis Colts)
It’s officially official, Zaire Franklin fulfilled the guarantee by Dino Babers that he was ‘uncuttable’ and now that’s the case. He went from seventh round draft choice to active roster, truly inspiring and amazing. Franklin is going to be in the NFL for a very long time.
Cameron Lynch – LB (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
Maybe it’s a linebacker thing? In all seriousness, Cameron Lynch has found his footing in the NFL, so not overly surprising that he has again made the roster for the Bucs, his prowess on special teams and as a key reserve has served him well.
Riley Dixon – P (New York Giants)
As we reported a few months back, Riley Dixon had won the punting competition and we spoke with him about it at Giants Camp. That didn’t change his mindset because you’re never safe in the NFL, but Dixon made the team and his return to New York is official.
Chandler Jones – DE (Arizona Cardinals)
Justin Pugh – OG (Arizona Cardinals)
While these two final names shouldn’t be surprising, both were locks to make the team after signing massive deals within 18 months of each other. One led the league in sacks and one is going to be relied upon to protect Sam Bradford.