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Syracuse defensive tackle Dion “Tank” Wilson Jr. declared for the NFL draft, he announced on social media Thursday. Wilson spent two seasons with the Orange, registering 42 tackles in 17 games. He’s SU’s fourth player to declare, joining cornerback Duce Chestnut, punter Jack Stonehouse and offensive tackle Da’Metrius Weatherspoon.

Wilson played six seasons in college, spending three with Arizona and one with New Mexico State before transferring to SU on Jan. 1, 2024. The defensive tackle appeared in five games during his first season with the Orange, but an injury cut his year short. Though he played in Syracuse’s Holiday Bowl win over Washington State.

In 2025, Wilson played a bigger role for Syracuse, starting its first nine games. However, another injury held him out of its final three contests. Wilson registered 29 tackles but didn’t record a sack, while fellow defensive tackle Kevin Jobity Jr. led the Orange with five. Syracuse finished with 20, the third-fewest in the Atlantic Coast Conference.

Despite SU’s porous defense under Elijah Robinson — who has since left the program to return to Texas A&M — Wilson was one of its highest-graded players, according to Pro Football Focus. Wilson earned a 69.5 defensive grade, the fourth-best of any Syracuse player.

Published on December 26, 2025 at 1:53 am
Contact Zak: zakwolf784254@gmail.com | @ZakWolf22