Syracuse Football: NFL Draft stock watch for Jamal Custis, Chris Slayton

Here is an updated NFL Draft stock watch for former Syracuse football players Jamal Custis and Chris Slayton. Here’s what the experts are saying.

The 2018 Syracuse football season may be over but that doesn’t mean it’s the end of the road for some seniors on that squad. In-particular wide receiver Jamal Custis and defensive lineman Chris Slayton are trying to keep their football dreams alive beyond Syracuse.

Due to their outstanding play during the 2018 season and throughout their careers they were both invited to the annual “2019 East-West Shrine Game” that is played at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida.

So what is the East-West Shrine Game? Here’s some more information from the official website:

"“The East-West Shrine Game is the longest running college all-star football game in the nation. The East-West Shrine Game is an important part of America’s football tradition, giving top college players a chance to showcase their talents to NFL scouts and a national television audience. For more than 90 years, some of football’s greatest athletes and coaches have contributed to the tradition of the East-West Shrine Game. Players like Gale Sayers, Tom Brady, John Elway, Allan Page, Dick Butkus, Brett Favre, Gino Marchetti and Walter Payton, along with coaches Don Shula, Dick Vermeil, Paul “Bear” Bryant and Jerry Glanville, to name a few, have supported the East-West Shrine Game.”"

This game will be broadcast on NFL Network at 3:00 p.m. ET this Saturday.

This is a HUGE stage for Jamal Custis and Chris Slayton to increase their NFL Draft stock ahead of the annual NFL Scouting Combine, SU Pro Day, and of course eventually the 2019 NFL Draft.

Well so far so good according to Chief Operating Officer and Senior NFL Draft Analyst Jon Ledyard of The Draft Network who had this to say exclusively to Inside the Loud House:

"On Jamal Custis:“Jamal Custis’ ball skills are impressive, as is his length and physicality at the position. He helps himself get open with the use of OPI a good bit, but he is a tough receiver to jam up at the line of scrimmage due to his physical tools. Testing will be huge for him, but big receivers who play big usually find a way into the draft, unless of course Custis runs in the 4.7’s. He’s not fast, but he can’t be that slow either.”On Chris Slayton:“Chris Slayton is a smaller 3-technique with good quickness and the ability to create power with his built-in-leverage. He’s flashed as a pass rusher and was a force against zone runs due to his penetration ability up front. Probably a day three pick, but I do believe he’ll be drafted.”"

Hearing both of these players in the NFL Draft conversation is heart warming news for a University that has only seen two players drafted in the last five years (Zaire Franklin and Riley Dixon both seventh round draft choices).

Jamal Custis spent five years at Syracuse, redshirting the 2016 season. At 6-foot-5 and 213 pounds, he’s always had the physical tools to be a special player, but that hasn’t always translated to the field:

"2014: 4 receptions 15 yards (two games played)2015: 1 reception 7 yards (1 game played)2016: n/a (redshirt)2017: 8 receptions 120 yards 1 touchdown (five games played)2018: 51 receptions 906 yards 6 touchdowns (13 games played)"

Despite some of the injuries and other situations that affected his statistical output during his career, he has been putting on a show during East-West Shrine game practices this week:

This is the kind of showing he needs to have to get on NFL teams’ radars. Especially with the label of “one year wonder” and the doubts about his speed. It’s ironic because Amba Etta-Tawo, former Syracuse wide receiver, had to answer these same questions after his time with the Orange.

Although Jamal will have to put his money where his mouth is. He recently told NFL Insider Chase Goodbread that “his last 40 yard dash was a 4.48 and that he believes he can get it under a 4.45 for combine.”

For a full breakdown of his game, check out this NFL Draft profile by The Draft Network staff here.

While the other prospect being discussed is Chris Slayton. Those outside of the University don’t know how good Slayton is because he didn’t stuff the stat sheet on the hill:

"2015: 20 total tackles, 5 tackles for loss, zero sacks (9 games played)2016: 32 total tackles, 9 tackles for loss, 3 sacks (12 games played)2017: 28 total tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 1 sack (12 games played)2018: 24 total tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks (10 games played)"

People love SACKS and when those numbers are missing players can slip under the radar, whether fair or unfair. Many people in the building suggest that the best prospect coming out of Syracuse this year is in fact Slayton.

Slayton has impressed most of all during the one-on-one drills this week during practices. Scouts have suggested his pocket penetration is one of his best traits that will translate to the next level. For more of what he has accomplished here’s Senior NFL Draft Analyst Joe Marino’s take from his scouting notes:

"“Syracuse DT Chris Slayton was a long-term fixture on the Orange’s defensive line and he had a strong first day. He has a stocky frame and his play strength really popped. I was surprised to see such quickness out of him as well. He drew good reviews from scouts I spoke with in attendance.”"

This is just the appetizer to the NFL Draft offseason. With the Scouting Combine, Syracuse’s Pro Day, and the 2019 NFL Draft yet to come, it should be a pretty exciting process for the Orange players trying to increase their draft stock.