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Syracuse Football: Shyheim Cullen draws serious NFL interest at Pro Day

By Paul A. Esden Jr.

SYRACUSE, NY - SEPTEMBER 04: Syracuse Orange runs onto the field through pyrotechnics before the game against the Rhode Island Rams on September 4, 2015 at The Carrier Dome in Syracuse, New York. Syracuse Orange defeats Rhode Island Rams 47-0. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
SYRACUSE, NY - SEPTEMBER 04: Syracuse Orange runs onto the field through pyrotechnics before the game against the Rhode Island Rams on September 4, 2015 at The Carrier Dome in Syracuse, New York. Syracuse Orange defeats Rhode Island Rams 47-0. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /
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Former Syracuse football LB Shyheim Cullen drew quite a crowd at his Pro Day. Here’s how he did and what’s the next step ahead of the draft.

It wasn’t the path that former Syracuse football linebacker Shyheim Cullen envisioned, but it’s the hand he’s been dealt.

Cullen was ruled academically ineligible by the NCAA which forced him to take an unusual path to the pros through the NFL Supplemental Draft on July 10.

But before we get to that point, Shyheim had detected enough NFL interest from personal calls and his agent to set up an official Pro Day for NFL teams to come to watch him in person on Monday, July 1.

His stepfather John shared in a direct message on Twitter that Shyheim went back to where it all started in Lowell Massachusetts 10 years ago in pop warner as the venue.

Cullen went through the entire NFL Combine event list in front of the three NFL teams that were represented (the Cleveland Browns, Kansas City Chiefs, and the New England Patriots):

  • 40-yard dash: 4.68 (agent clocked time).
    • “We were disappointed in the 40 times, it was way off. We had consistently gotten in the 4.53-4.56 range. Shyheim had trouble getting off the start.”
    • His 40-yard dash time would’ve been good enough to place 16th at the NFL Combine among linebackers. Although his time he had been hitting in practice would’ve been good enough for sixth best among linebackers.
  • Vertical leap: 36 inches.
    • “He had to go barefoot due to an equipment issue.”
    • His vertical jump would’ve been good enough for eighth among linebackers. In practice, he had been jumping at 39 inches which would’ve been good enough for third best among linebackers at the NFL Combine.
  • Bench press: 20 reps.
    • “We were hoping he’d get to his normal 23 reps that he had been doing in practice.”
    • His bench press would’ve been good enough to place 16th among linebackers. Although his 23 practice reps would’ve placed 10th.
  • Broad jump: 125 inches.
    • “We were very happy with his vertical jump.”
    • His broad jump would’ve tied the second-best mark among linebackers at the NFL Combine.
  • 20-yard shuttle: 4.26.
    • Would’ve been 10th best at the NFL Combine among linebackers.
  • 60-yard shuttle: 11.86.
    • “Overall scouts seemed really happy with how Shyheim moved at his Pro Day.”
    • While his 60-yard shuttle time would’ve placed fourth among linebackers at the NFL Combine.

On top of the three NFL teams that were represented, Cullen’s agent (Sean Stellato of Stellato Sports) filmed the Pro Day and will be sending it to the teams that asked for it.

Several NFL teams are expected to call this week to set up individual workouts at their facilities ahead of the NFL Supplemental Draft on July 10.

In between those workouts, Shyheim plans on continuing to work out with his trainer to be in the best shape for training camp at the end of July.

For any NFL team that is seriously considering taking him in the NFL Supplemental Draft or in free agency following he wanted to state his pitch (through his stepfather John):

"“I think Shy will tell them he’s a hard worker who loves football and has a real passion for the game. If an NFL team gives him a shot he will show them he can play and make a difference in the league. He will play any position they need and he will be a standout on special teams.”"

His biggest strength?

"“Aside from his speed on special teams, his run stopping ability is great.”"

Biggest weakness?

"“Probably his pass coverage but only because he hasn’t been asked to do it very much at any level.”"

If an NFL team takes a chance on him, what kind of person/human being are they bringing in?

"“Shy is a great kid. He works hard. He’s humble and grateful for every opportunity he has ever been given. He loves working with kids and looks forward to being able to do big things for kids when he makes the league.”"

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While finally what are his goals over the next 5-10 years both personally and professionally?

"“He’s focused on getting a shot with an NFL team and contributing. Shy looks forward to making a difference working with kids in whatever community he ends up in and back here in Lowell, Massachusetts. If football doesn’t work out or when the season is over he wants to go back and finish his degree.”"

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