Syracuse Football: The Airing Of NFL Draftability Grievances

by Sean Keeley on Dec 26, 2011 11:27 AM EST

We know that Dorian Graham is definitely forgoing his final season with the Syracuse Orange to go pro. What we don't know is whether or not Chandler Jones and #SHAMARKO Thomas will be following him for sure.

Orange fans are mostly hoping both return, though I think we can understand the pull of the NFL and it's contracts that do a little bit more for you than free meal cards.

Both have recently taken to Twitter to give us some insight in where their heads are at.

Chandler just found out he's graduating on time, which could lean him out the door. Also doesn't help our cause when he's jjust attended his first NFL game wearing the jersey of his brother who is playing in said game. For sure, though, the decision is not one Jones is taking lightly:

@ChanJones99
Chandler Jones These last few nights its been hard to sleep, knowing that your getting ready to make the biggest decision you ever made in your entire life
Dec 26 via webFavorite RetweetReply

Meanwhile, #SHAMARKO sounds like already knows which direction he's leaning and he's got some pretty strong reasons for thinking it:

@shamarko21ya
shamarko thomas just trying to b rich so I can take care of a lot of folks, I dnt care about myself, I grind for my fam so they can live life up,#dreams
Dec 23 via Twitter for BlackBerry®FavoriteRetweetReply

I suppose you could have the "you'll make more money for your fam if you wait one year" argument with Thomas but I'm sure as hell not gonna be the guy. I mean, have you seen those workout videos?

#SHAMARKO and former fellow SU safety Phillip Thomas also had a discussion about fam and bro-love and made it pretty clear that if they can, both Thomas bros are going pro.

But we'll see how possible all this looks soon...

Tweet Comment 7 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

So the scouting combine begins the Feats of Strength?

by Doc Gross's Phones on Dec 26, 2011 11:41 AM EST via mobile reply actions

How high could Chandlers draft stock be?

My guess is kind of non existent at this point, and Dorian and Shamarko are free agents at best.

Chandler missed half the year due to injury, and his stats arent that great due to that. Im guessing he would do well at a combine, and his height and weight are commensurate with more recent NFL defensive ends (6’4+, 270lbs) but Ive got to think there is a LOT of talent ahead of him vying for his role in the league. Im guessing he will come back for grad school/redshirt year to try to improve it, and Im sure he will.

Thoughts?

by Pinker on Dec 26, 2011 12:58 PM EST reply actions

Also, I don't think Chan's family is in dire straits when it comes to being taken care of ...

Considering one brother is in the the NFL already and the other is holding a UFC belt and being well taken care of.

Tough decision though, you never want to risk further injury for no paycheck, but he’s got time to get his body right and blow up NCAA QBs next season to try in get in the third or second round

I've been involved in a number of cults, both as a leader and a follower. You have more fun as a follower. But you make more money as a leader.

by Fly Rodder on Dec 26, 2011 1:30 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions

most guesses

had him 4th round pick earlier this year. he’s got a couple things going for him, great measurables, high character, and a high motor. teams will look at the wvu tape and see potential.

Dorian’s best chance is the raiders eventually because he’s that athletic freak that they like.

Shamarko.. not a clue

by Acera on Dec 26, 2011 1:35 PM EST up reply actions

Art

was a projected 2nd who went in the 4th…. 4th could easily be 7th.

May Doug Marrone bless you and keep you.

by ryanwk628 on Dec 27, 2011 9:32 AM EST up reply actions

JPP

did pretty well as an example of developing raw talent at the DE position into a solid player by adding technique and size to existing athletic ability.

May Doug Marrone bless you and keep you.

by ryanwk628 on Dec 27, 2011 9:34 AM EST up reply actions

With a lot of these guys

the 5th year is not an option, either because the program does not want to give them the scholarship (it happens) or because they cant get into the grad program.

May Doug Marrone bless you and keep you.

by ryanwk628 on Dec 27, 2011 9:35 AM EST reply actions