In the first Draft Tek seven-round 2012 NFL Mock Draft released since the NFL Scouting Combine ended, former Syracuse University defensive end Chandler Jones was the first member of the Orange selected. Draft Tek’s simulation gave Jones to the Buffalo Bills in the third round, 74th overall.
Jones had a good, but not great, performance during the Combine. The third round is right about where SB Nation New York college football writer Jared Smith expects Jones to be taken in the real NFL Draft this April.
The Draft Tek mock has the Detroit Lions selecting former Orange free safety Phillip Thomas in the fourth round, 117th overall. Thomas led the Big East in interceptions with six and was third in the conference in tackles with 82, but missed the season’s final two games after being suspended for violating athletic department policy.
Two other former Syracuse players who are 2012 NFL Draft hopefuls, tight end Nick Provo and offensive lineman Andrew Tiller, were not selected in the Draft Tek mock.