Analyzing top fits for each Syracuse NFL Draft prospect
Our beat writer analyzes the best two fits for Syracuse's nine 2025 NFL Draft prospects ahead of the draft starting on Thursday. Avery Magee | Asst. Photo Editor
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Syracuse’s historic 2024 season featured its first 10-win season since 2018 and a dominant performance in the Holiday Bowl to defeat Washington State. A largely veteran group led the Orange.
Kyle McCord and Fadil Diggs transferred in for their last year of eligibility while Oronde Gadsden II, Justin Barron and Marlowe Wax all returned despite Fran Brown taking over as head coach. After a successful 2023 NFL Draft with Matthew Bergeron and Garrett Williams being selected on day two, SU had zero players selected in 2024.
The Orange are expected to have multiple athletes drafted in Green Bay this weekend, and a few are likely to sign as priority free agents if they go undrafted.
Here’s which NFL teams would make the most sense for each Syracuse draft prospect:
Kyle McCord, QB
Los Angeles Rams:
While there are multiple teams desperate for a quarterback in this draft, most will likely make their move in the first round with Cam Ward, Shedeur Sanders or even Jaxson Dart. McCord fits well with the Rams, who will likely be looking for a future replacement for Matthew Stafford in the second or third round after upgrading another position of greater need at No. 26 overall.
New York Jets:
The Jets are another squad that will use their first round pick elsewhere, though could look to add depth in their quarterback room on day two. New York did sign Justin Fields to a two-year deal, but Fields’ instability and a four-year rookie contract for McCord would allow him time to develop or even take over sooner than expected. After all, McCord grew up a Jets fan and wears No. 6 because of former quarterback Mark Sanchez.
Oronde Gadsden II, TE
Miami Dolphins:
Gadsden grew up just down the road from Miami, and his father played his final six NFL seasons with the Dolphins. Though the fit for Gadsden goes beyond a family tie. Mike McDaniel’s creative offense suits Gadsden’s skill set well. The head coach would likely use him on the inside and outside to create mismatches, similar to how Jonnu Smith broke out in 2024.
Chicago Bears:
Another fit for Gadsden would be in Ben Johnson’s new high-powered offense in Chicago. Johnson has a creative mind, and with Gadsden’s speed and route running on the outside, he’d slot in well behind Cole Kmet. Currently, the Bears’ options after Kmet include seven-year veteran Durham Smythe and journeyman Stephen Carlson. Both are on one-year deals that will expire following the 2025 season.
LeQuint Allen Jr., RB
Washington Commanders:
With Brian Robinson Jr. as a bruising first option for Washington, Allen Jr. makes sense here as a future secondary option and potential lead back. Allen Jr.’s advanced pass protection and elite hands allows him to be used in multiple ways. All running backs currently rostered have deals expiring following the 2025 season. While Washington might not attack the need early in the draft, it could rely on the class’ depth to get a future star.
San Francisco 49ers:
Allen Jr. worked with SU offensive coordinator Jeff Nixon throughout 2024, the same coach who helped Christian McCaffrey become a star with the Carolina Panthers. With a similar skillset, Allen Jr. could slot in well behind McCaffrey in San Francisco. The 49ers have Isaac Guerendo behind McCaffrey, but Allen Jr. would allow offensive guru Kyle Shanahan a security blanket if McCaffrey gets injured again.
LeQuint Allen Jr.’s 32 total scrimmage touchdowns are the fourth-most in SU history. Leonardo Eriman | Asst. Video Editor
Fadil Diggs, EDGE
Arizona Cardinals:
Diggs came over from Texas A&M to the Orange and became a powerhouse on their pass rush, grading at 83.2, according to Pro Football Focus. The Cardinals need pass-rushing help after they posted the second-worst grade in the NFL in 2024. They added Josh Sweat in free agency, and will address other needs early in the draft. Diggs is a viable option to bolster the unit in the later rounds.
Green Bay Packers:
The Packers also make sense for Diggs. Green Bay ranked middle of the pack in 2024 in pass rushing defense and has established starters in Rashan Gary and Lukas Van Ness. However, the Packers still could use depth and speed at the position. Diggs had a virtual meeting with Green Bay, according to The Draft Network, and could find a role there with his athleticism.
Alijah Clark, DB
Buffalo Bills:
The Bills’ glaring need entering the draft is their secondary. They posted an abysmal 37.7 coverage grade in 2024, the second worst in the league per PFF, and will likely address the issue often in the draft. Clark would fit the bill in the late rounds or as a priority free agent, using his versatility and experience on special teams in nearby Buffalo.
Seattle Seahawks:
Clark could also fill in on a team that is already proficient in the secondary and on special teams but lacks depth. Enter Seattle. The Seahawks ranked sixth in special teams and 13th in coverage, using defensive backs all over 6 feet tall. Clark, at 6-foot-1, pairs his size with versatility at safety and in the slot. Mike Macdonald loves using secondary pieces in different roles, making Clark a good fit.
Justin Barron, Linebacker
Detroit Lions:
Barron is the quintessential Dan Campbell guy. The Connecticut native played wide receiver, safety and linebacker at Syracuse and pitched in on special teams throughout his five years. While he’ll be playing linebacker at the professional level, Barron will probably need to first make his mark on special teams with his grittiness. The Lions also didn’t draft a linebacker in 2024 and are expected to attack the position through the 2025 draft.
Jacksonville Jaguars:
Barron also could slot in with the Jaguars as the Will linebacker inside a largely 4-3 base defense. Starting Will linebacker Foyesade Oluokun is under contract through 2027 but backup Chad Muma’s rookie deal will expire after the upcoming 2025 season. Jacksonville is led by a new staff in 2025, including new defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile. He’s the brother of SU quarterbacks coach Nunzio Campanile, a connection that could land Barron with the Jaguars.
Justin Barron finished his Syracuse career with 294 total tackles. Leonardo Eriman | Asst. Video Editor
Marlowe Wax, Linebacker
Indianapolis Colts:
Seven years ago, the Colts took a flier on an experienced middle linebacker from Syracuse in the seventh round. Zaire Franklin went on to lead the NFL in tackles in 2024. Wax could be a strong backup to Franklin if snagged by Indianapolis. He trained with Franklin in Tampa Bay this offseason and Wax could easily bump Liam Anderson or Jacob Phillips out of their one-year deals.
Baltimore Ravens:
Wax also fits in with his hometown team in Baltimore. He attended the Ravens’ local pro day in early April and showed off his speed and health at SU’s Pro Day on March 17. The Ravens play a base 3-4 defense, which requires two inside linebacker slots instead of one middle linebacker. With Jake Hummel and William Kwenkeu on small one-year deals, Wax could find his home with the Ravens.
Jackson Meeks, Wide receiver
Tampa Bay Buccaneers:
Before Meeks broke out with the Orange, he worked under wide receivers coach Bryan McClendon at Georgia. McClendon assumed the same role with the Buccaneers in 2024, and the two could reunite in Tampa Bay as Meeks will likely be searching for an undrafted free agent opportunity. The Buccaneers have a fairly deep wide receiver core and Meeks will need to excel on special teams. But after all, sometimes it’s all about who you know.
Kansas City Chiefs:
Similar to his potential role with the Buccaneers, Meeks could sign with the Chiefs to bolster their already strong special teams unit. Kansas City ranked third in the NFL in special teams, per PFF, and Meeks would be a strong addition based on his pedigree from his Georgia days. The Chiefs are also always looking for fresh targets for Patrick Mahomes.
Clarence Lewis, Defensive back
Dallas Cowboys:
Lewis could make sense for Dallas here due to his strength on go routes. PFF tracked Lewis as the No. 1 cornerback in the 2025 draft class on deep balls, posting a 90.1 grade on 20 coverage snaps. The Cowboys have above-average starting cornerbacks in DaRon Bland and Trevon Diggs but must add depth with Amani Oruwariye and Jourdan Lewis hitting the exits.
Cincinnati Bengals:
Another fit for Lewis could be with the Bengals as a priority free agent. Cincinnati ranked 17th in the league in coverage and could use more help. Similar to Meeks, however, a connection from Lewis’ college days could get him an opportunity. Bengals defensive coordinator Al Golden served in the same role at Notre Dame through Lewis’ junior and senior seasons.
