Syracuse NFL mock draft: Will any former Oranges get picked this year?

FanSided staff writer Sam Fariss predicts where former Syracuse players will land in the 2024 NFL Draft following the Senior Bowl.

Sep 2, 2023; Syracuse, New York, USA; Colgate Raiders quarterback Zach Osborne (1) is pressured by Syracuse linebacker Stefon Thompson (7).
Sep 2, 2023; Syracuse, New York, USA; Colgate Raiders quarterback Zach Osborne (1) is pressured by Syracuse linebacker Stefon Thompson (7). | Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

With just two players entered into the 2024 NFL Draft, the odds aren’t high for the Syracuse Orange to hear players’ names called in April. 

Offensive linebacker Stefon Thompson and defensive lineman Caleb Okechukwu spent a collective 10 years with Syracuse. 

Thompson was a highly-rated player coming out of high school and turned into a four-year starter for the Orange. Okechukwu didn’t start in his first four seasons but was in the starting lineup for every game of his final two years.

I sadly don’t think that Okechukwu or Thompson will be picked during the NFL Draft. 

With dozens of talented players at both positions entering their name this year, the two former Syracuse teammates will likely get bumped from the seven-round draft.

This isn’t to say that they’ll never be on an NFL 53-man roster. They could easily be picked up from free agency and signed following the draft, I just think it may take a bit more patience than waiting through the 224 picks.

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