Syracuse’s history of second round NFL Draft picks

On Friday night, we’re highly likely to hear at least one Syracuse Orange name called during the NFL Draft. Ifeatu Melifonwu is widely considered a player that could be selected, as cover corners are always a need. Andre Cisco has a shot to go in the second as well, based on whoever puts a premium on acquiring a playmaking safety. If not, then he’ll also be selected tonight, in the third round.

Obviously neither would be the program’s first player to be selected in the second round. Syracuse has had 21 picked there, dating back to 1954. The most recent was offensive tackle Adam Terry, who was picked by the Baltimore Ravens with the 32nd pick in the second round back in 2005.

But because we’re looking for more things to talk about leading up to tonight’s broadcast, here are some other highlights from SU’s history of second-rounders:

While we noted Terry as the most recent second round pick, do you know who the first SU second round pick was? Offensive tackle Bob Fleck went to the Green Bay Packers in 1954 with the second pick in the round (15th overall).

This is the longest gap between second round picks for Syracuse. The longest for that was between 1972 and 1981. SU had a second round pick in four straight seasons from 1981 to 1984, which is the longest consecutive streak of selections.

Interestingly, there have been a lot of redundant picks as far as their placement within the second round. Three players — Daryl Johnston, Dan Yochum, Bruce Tarbox — were picked with the 11th pick in the second, while the seventh, 12th and 24th spots in the second round all had two apiece.

The Baltimore/Indianapolis Colts had the most Syracuse selections overall, and they’re also tied for the most second round picks with three — John Mackey, Tom Gilburg and Blaise Winter. Also with three second round picks: the Miami Dolphins. Miami selected former Orangemen Rob Konrad, Mike Charles and Scott Schwedes in that round. The Giants (Joe Morris, Bruce Tarbox) are the only other team with more than one Syracuse selection in the second.

Kevin covered how SU defensive backs have fared in the NFL Draft, including two players selected in that round; Charlie Brown (1966) and Kevin Abrams (1997). Three linebackers, three running backs and three wide receivers have been picked in the second round. However, offensive tackle has actually produced the most Syracuse second round picks. Beyond Terry in 2005, Fleck (1954). Gilburg (1961) and Yochum (1972) also were selected at that position.

Thankfully, the streak without a second round pick should end this evening, while we make new additions to the data takeaways above as well. Questions? Comments? Share below.