:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63571298/usa_today_9543721.0.jpg)
Certainly you’ve noticed the uptick in quality for the Syracuse Orange football program lately. Some of that’s measurable in terms of things like wins (obviously) and season ticket sales. Another way is in terms of players with a chance to get selected in the NFL Draft.
With that event coming up on Thursday, April 25, we wanted to profile Syracuse players that will warrant consideration this year. We’ve covered some skilled positions in the past two days with Eric Dungey and Jamal Custis. Today we’re looking to profile one of the big boys in offensive tackle Cody Conway.
Name: Cody Conway
Position: Offensive tackle
Height: 6-foot-6
Weight: 307 lbs.
Hometown: Plainfield, Ill.
NFL Draft Projections: Undrafted
Senior Stats: 13-game starter at left tackle, 30.5 pancake blocks, offense was 11th in the nation for scoring (40.2ppg) and set program records for points (523) and rushing touchdowns (38). All-ACC honorable mention.
Career Stats: 33 game starter at left tackle, 40 games played, two time All-ECAC performer, three time Academic All-ACC
Game to Watch: 2018 vs Florida State; If you want to see him against likely NFL talent, he lined up across from Brian Burns, the FSU standout edge rusher that will be playing on Sundays.
Pro Day/Scouting Combine Performance: 25 reps at 225 bench press; 7.27 second three cone drill
Pros
Conway is a very large, very mobile body, who has reportedly put on 10 more pounds of muscle even since the bowl game. He’s an extremely solid pass blocker, who can hold his own against just about anyone he’s been put up against in a defensive line heavy ACC over his career. His agility is well above the norm for his position, as noted by his three cone drill time which would have been the best offensive lineman at the NFL combine this year.
Cons
The only downside of Conway is his run blocking. It’s not really subpar, but he doesn’t particularly excel at it. Depending on how much his pass block expertise pulls him ahead in modern NFL schemes, it may be able to offset this.
Fun Fact: Cody was a four-year basketball player in high school.
TNIAAM Draft Prediction: I don’t think that Conway will get picked up in the draft, but there’s a chance he sneaks in late with his athleticism. i wouldn’t be surprised he is picked up at some point in the summer though.
Highlight Reel: Aforementioned FSU game against Brian Burns