With the 2022 college football season officially over, it’s time to take a look at the 2023 NFL Draft. Several Syracuse Orange players have officially signed up for this year’s draft, but four are likely to give their names: Sean Tucker, Garrett Williams, Matthew Bergeron, and Mikel Jones.
Based on the early projections, we’re taking a few guesses as to if and when these SU alumni will hear their names called out in April:
CB Garrett Williams: Early to mid second round
PFF 2023 Draft Ranking: 37th overall (#7 cornerback)
Frame: 6-0, 189 lbs.
2022 stats: 35 total tackles, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, two interceptions
Background: Williams is high primarily because he was a reliable defensive playmaker. During his Syracuse career, he has shown he can play both the run and the pass. Teams looking for a revenue-generating defensive machine will definitely have Williams on their radar.
RB Sean Tucker: Late third or early fourth round
PFF 2023 Draft Ranking: 83rd overall (#6 running back)
Frame: 5-10, 205 lbs.
2022 stats: 206 rushes, 1,060 yards, 5.1 yards per carry, 11 touchdowns, 36 receptions for 254 yards and two touchdowns
Background: Tucker thrives on his absolute best on a distanced offense with a solid offensive line. Even after a bad year, he’ll still have interest in this draft given his status as a top-10 running back. The question for Tucker is his overall potential. Can he become a consistent pass catcher in the NFL? Can he hold the passport protection? Will he be able to burst for extra yards after first contact against NFL athletes? Tucker possesses solid bottom but unknown ceiling in the modern NFL.
OT Matthew Bergeron: Early to mid fourth round
PFF 2023 Draft Ranking: 100th overall (#9 offensive tackle)
Frame: 6-5, 322 lbs.
2022 stats: 686 snaps, allowing for 2 QB rushes, 4 QB hits, and 5 sacks
Background: Bergeron played over 2,500 snaps for Syracuse during his time with the Orange. Rebuild teams looking for depth will keep Bergeron in mind as a development piece with a high floor if it can keep up athletically. A few draft previews have hinted that his pro future may be on the alert, and that’s something we’re letting Steve dive into as the draft draws nearer.
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LB Mikel Jones: fourth through fifth rounds
PFF 2023 Draft Ranking: 136th overall (#8 linebacker)
Frame: 6-1, 224 lbs.
2022 stats: 82 total tackles, 4 sacks, 1 forced fumble
Background: Jones became the leader of the Orange defense but throughout his career he has shown a knack for quick plays. His freshman season was all about turnovers, and last year he was the top pass rusher for Syracuse. The trend towards more frequent offenses in the NFL can help a player like Jones because his size doesn’t require a move to safety. Individual tests will be important for Jones to prove his pace.
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Other players will certainly draw attention from NFL teams, but are unlikely to be drafted. For this group, selecting the best odds of success will be critical. How do you feel about some of Orange’s more prominent names in this year’s draft? Who could improve their draft inventory by April?
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