Syracuse Orange College Football: Combine Struggles, Draft Predictions

Syracuse Orange football has kept a low profile in recent weeks, but it is always fun to see where players from the program go after football. For the Orange, several notable players were slated to participate in the combine, however the results were less than fantastic. 

First, onto the No. 1 Syracuse Orange prospect, Chandler Jones.

Jones left the Orange early to head to the NFL, amid rumors that he could be a first-round draft pick. These rumors have probably stopped after his combine showing. 

Jones ran a 4.87 40-yard dash and posted top numbers in the vertical jump (35") and the broad jump (120"). His time in the three-cone drill was respectable (7.07) and the 20-yard shuttle was average (4.38). SB Nation gave Jones a B-minus grade, tops among all Orange. 

Suspended safety-now-NFL-prospect Phillip Thomas definitely failed to live up to expectations at the combine, the foremost issue coming with his 40-yard dash.

Thomas slipped off the blocks in his first run and followed up up with a 4.74 40-time, fourth-worst among all defensive backs. Thomas is going to need a great pro day to raise his stock. 

Offensive lineman Andrew Tiller had the worst day by far, posting some of the lowest numbers at the offensive line slot.

His 40-time was too slow (5.50), he had the second-lowest bench press reps (16) and was dead-last in the broad jump. Tiller's three-cone drill and 20-yard shuttle were much better, but not enough to save his day. 

Finally, record-setting tight end Nick Provo was not able to participate due to his ongoing shoulder recovery. His pro day will heavily influence where he is taken in the draft. 

Now, where will these players go?

According to NFL Lead Writer Matt Miller's most recent mock, Jones will go 38th overall to Jacksonville, with all of the others going undrafted. For all of these players, the March 8th pro day will be extremely important after this combine flop.