The Syracuse football faithful has made their voices heard on the current crop of SU players in the NFL Draft 2019. Here’s who they believe in the most.
Times have changed for the Syracuse football program. Back in the early 2000s and earlier, four or five SU players were routinely taken in the draft every year.
In the last five years, only two players have heard their names called (Zaire Franklin, Riley Dixon) and both were taken in the seventh round.
Although it’s not all doom and gloom, the Orange are on the right path to changing that narrative. Last season Syracuse had their first 10-win campaign since 2001, finished the season ranked in the AP top-25, and topped it off with an impressive bowl win vs West Virginia.
That didn’t happen by accident, a lot of players who helped facilitate that success are now hoping to see the fruits of their labor pay off on draft night. But what player has the best chance to hear his name called during the NFL Draft 2019? We asked the fans what they thought:
What former member of the @CuseFootball team has the best chance to be taken in the #NFLDraft2019? #DraftDay #OITNF #Orange
— InsideTheLoudHouse (@LoudHouseFS) April 25, 2019
Chris Slayton
- It seems as if the fans of the Orange and the draft analysts are perfectly in sync. 48 percent of the fans say Slayton has the best chance to be taken in the 2019 NFL Draft. From people I’ve spoken with his draft stock has been as high as a fourth-round pick to as low as a sixth-round pick. But in every mock simulation that we’ve done work on, Slayton has been taken.
Jamal Custis
- In a very tight race, Jamal Custis is the second most likely Syracuse player to be taken according to the fans. Now when you look at the college production it doesn’t match the measurables. I won’t make any excuses for Jamal, for whatever reason it didn’t happen. Whether that was injuries, lack of opportunities, etc. But from NFL teams I’ve spoken with they’re “in love with the size and potential of what he can do in an NFL offense.”
Eric Dungey
- Eric was just edged out by Jamal, so Dungey is listed third by the fans. Although this isn’t the first time that he has been doubted. Eric wasn’t invited to the NFL Combine, nor was he invited to any of the college all-star games. So coming into the Syracuse Pro Day in March, Dungey was “pissed off” but has used that as motivation. I think the chances of him getting drafted are 50-50, it all comes down to one team falling in love with him. He’s a really good football player who has refined some of his mechanics and a Pro Bowl caliber person. NFL teams wish they could have 53 Eric Dungeys.
Ryan Guthrie
- While the last player that was in the vote received a measly three percent. A lot of football fans probably asked themselves why is he even one of the choices? This guy is going to surprise people. Ryan has played every level of defense in his high school and collegiate career (safety, linebacker, and defensive line). The more things you can do, the more attractive you’re to NFL teams. Even if Ryan doesn’t get drafted, his versatility will keep him on an NFL roster.