Four former Syracuse Orangemen have been invited to the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. The Combine will be held Feb. 22-28 as NFL teams get a first-hand look at prospects for the 2012 NFL Draft.
Defensive end Chandler Jones, tight end Nick Provo, free safety Phillip Thomas and Andrew Tiller (offensive guard) will be in Indianapolis trying to improve their draft stock.
Jones, unquestionably, will draw the most interest. The 6-foot-5, 265-pound Jones has seen his draft stock rise recently, and was placed in the first round by ESPN's Todd McShay in his most recent mock draft. Here is the National Football Post scouting report on Jones.
Provo is a 6-4, 249-pound tight end. The National Football Post's Wes Bunting does not appear optimistic about Provo's NFL chances.
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. The suspension would have continued almost until the end of the 2012 season had he not declared for the draft.
Tiller is a 6-4, 330-pound lineman who scouting reports seem to indicate might be able to find his way onto an NFL practice squad as a developmental player.