2013 NFL Draft Prospects: Syracuse

These are the school’s prospects for the 2013 NFL Draft by status * – denotes 2014 prospect ** – denotes 2015 prospect.

This page was last updated April 24, 2013. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.

Justin Pugh, OT/G, Syracuse
Height: 6-4. Weight: 301. Arm: 31 1/2. Hand: 10.
Projected 40 Time: 5.05.
Projected Round (2013): 1-2.
4/24/13: Some media pundits and draft analysts are hire on Pugh, believing he could go late in the first round. Pugh did a good job of protecting quarterback Ryan Nassib in 2012. Pugh clearly needs to add weight and strength for the next level.

Similar to Nassib, Pugh’s Senior Bowl wasn’t a complete debacle, but it definitely didn’t help his stock. Eric Fisher and Lane Johnson stood out, but Pugh was very disappointing in comparison. It all started at the weigh-in when he checked in at 6-foot-4, 301-pounds. That is very undersized for an NFL offensive tackle. It was known that Pugh was on the lighter side entering Mobile, but he was a few inches shorter than expected and has very short arms (31 1/2). Pugh also struggled in the one-on-ones on the edge. He also had some issues at guard with bull rushes, too.

Pugh had a solid career protecting Nassib’s blind side, but for the NFL, he looks like he probably should be a guard in a zone-blocking system. That, along with him not looking like a starting tackle, hurts the number of teams that could consider Pugh. His disappointing weak and undersized status make him look more like a mid-round pick rather than the top-32 selection some have suggested.

8/23/12: Pugh was a 2011 All-Big East First-Team selection for Syracuse as the blind-side protector for quarterback Ryan Nassib. It was Pugh’s second straight year as a starter, and he contributed to Antwon Bailey eclipsing 1,000 yards on the ground. Pugh is a sleeper prospect worth keeping an eye on.

Ryan Nassib, QB, Syracuse
Height: 6-2. Weight: 223. Arm: 31. Hand: 10.
40 Time: 5.06.
Projected Round (2013): 1-3.
4/24/13: There were a ton of teams showing interest in Nassib and many believe that a team could trade back into the first round to select him. After the team visits coaches fell in love with his intelligence, confidence, flexibility and leadership skills. He didn’t impress on the field in Indianapolis, but teams were reportedly impressed with him in the interview room.

The senior completed 62 percent of his passes in 2012 for 3,749 yards, 26 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He displayed intelligence and accuracy.

Nassib opened the season with a record-setting game in a narrow loss to Northwestern. He threw four touchdowns in the second half to give the Orange a lead. Nassib set Syracuse records in passing attempts and yards as he completed 45-of-66 passes for 479 yards with four touchdowns and an interception. Nassib also picked up some clutch yards on the ground.

The Orange didn’t have a strong supporting cast, and Nassib played better than his numbers indicate. He had a disappointing performance at the Senior Bowl. It looks like there is a hitch in his delivery that hurts his motion. There is no doubt that Nassib is smart and confident, but he may not develop into a good starter in the NFL.

8/16/12: Nassib came through and improved his accuracy in 2011. His completion percentage was 62 percent and he totaled 2,685 yards with 22 touchdowns and nine interceptions. Nassib also ran for 155 yards and two scores. Against West Virginia, he came up with a big game. Nassib threw for four touchdown passes in Syracuse’s upset win. He has some tools to work with and could be a sleeper prospect.

Nassib completed 56 percent of his passes as a first-year starter in 2010, totaling 2,334 yards with 19 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He ran for 255 yards as well.

Shamarko Thomas, S, Syracuse
Height: 5-8. Weight: 213.
Projected 40 Time: 4.42.
Projected Round (2013): 2-4.
4/24/13: Thomas helped his draft stock with a strong week at the East-West Shrine. He was very physical with running backs and receivers downfield. Thomas showed nice hitting ability to go along with an aggressive style of play. The senior totaled 88 tackles, three forced fumbles and two interceptions this year.

Thomas was excellent at the Combine. He put up one of the fastest 40s for any safety prospect. Thomas did well in the other field work and bench press, too. He really stood out and continued his strong postseason.

Thomas had good tackle totals as a freshman, sophomore and junior, but didn’t record any interceptions and only had five passes broken up over those three seasons. He needs to work on his pass coverage, but has some developmental potential. Thomas’ height is a big concern as receivers will have an advantage over him.

Alec Lemon, WR, Syracuse
Height: 6-1. Weight: 202. Arm: 31.18. Hand: 8.48.
40 Time: 4.59.
Projected Round (2013): 7-FA.
4/24/13: Lemon missed the first game of the season with an injury, during which quarterback Ryan Nassib set school records for attempts and passing yards in a game. Lemon totaled 1,070 yards and seven touchdowns on 72 receptions in 2012. He was a late addition to the Senior Bowl and performed well in Mobile.

8/17/12: Lemon had a productive junior season last year, catching 68 passes for 834 yards and six touchdowns. He had some contributions as a sophomore, hauling in 38 catches for 451 yards and four touchdowns. Lemon needs to have a bigger senior season to help his draft status.

Ross Krautman*, K, Syracuse
Height: 5-7. Weight: 155.
Projected Round (2013): FA.
4/24/13: Krautman was 15-of-23 in 2012, including a crucial miss in a 42-41 loss to Northwestern in the season opener. He had two misses in an eight-point loss to Rutgers.

9/3/12: Krautman was very accurate as a freshman in 2010. He made 30-of-32 field goal attempts and was 18-of-19 on extra point tries. His longest field goal was 48 yards. Krautman made 15-of-19 field goals last year. Given his small stature, the leg strength concerns are going to have to be proven false.