TNIAAM will has been breaking down all of the Syracuse football players who will warrant consideration in the 2017 NFL Draft, these past two weeks prior to the event tomorrow, April 27, on ESPN. Last week we profiled wide receivers Amba Etta-Tawo and Brisly Estime. This week it’s offensive lineman, with John already profiling Michael Lasker yesterday.
Let’s wrap things up with Omari Palmer.
Name: Omari Palmer
Position: Guard/Tackle
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 315 lbs
Hometown: Coram, N.Y.
NFL Draft Projections: Undrafted
Senior Stats: Started first three games at right guard before missing the rest of the season due to injury
Career Stats: Played in 36 games, started 24 (including 21 at right guard)
Game to Watch: 2016 vs. USF (six knockdown blocks, 80 snaps)
Pro Day Performance: 24 bench reps, 5.65-second 40-yard dash, 25-inch vertical jump (per NFLDraftScout)
Scout Visits: N/a
Pros
A lower leg injury cost Palmer most of his senior season, but he was able to remain in relatively good shape as maintained his prototypical NFL size. Palmer’s strength should also not go unnoticed as his 24 bench reps would have tied for 16th among the 40 participating offensive lineman at the NFL Scouting Combine. Palmer has also been credited as having a high football IQ, especially after having to learn five different offenses in five years while at Syracuse, as Syracuse.com’s Nate Mink previously pointed out.
Cons
While he has the size of a NFL offensive linemen, Palmer does not have the speed. His 5.65-second 40-yard dash would have ranked as the second-slowest time out of all participating offensive lineman at the NFL Scouting Combine. NFLDraftScout notes, however, that Palmer only ran the 40-yard dash once due to an ankle injury, which may lead scouts to forgive Palmer for his slow time, but could also lead to questions of Palmer’s overall health and if he is completely rehabilitated from his season-ending injury.
Fun Fact(s): Palmer lists himself as a “Professional Student-Athlete at Syracuse University” on LinkedIn. No word yet if the NCAA has opened an investigation into Syracuse for Palmer potentially receiving improper benefits.
TNIAAM Draft Prediction: Palmer will almost surely go undrafted, but it’s likely he’ll receive a training camp invite from at least one NFL team.
Highlight Reel:
(Palmer wears No. 57)