With the 2026 NFL Draft in the books, we look to 2027 and there’s news that one Syracuse Orange player is generating some early buzz.
“Cornerback Chris Peal is the consensus No. 46 player on the 2027 big board, according to the NFL Mock Draft Database, which places him as the sixth-best cornerback. Despite the No. 46 ranking, he’s been projected as a late first-round pick in some early 2027 mock drafts.
Athlon Sports and Saturday Blitz have Peal being drafted to the Seattle Seahawks in the 30s and Bleacher
Report mocked Peal to the Detroit Lions at pick No. 26.
The Sporting News has the most glowing ranking for Peal, slotting him No. 19 overall on its Top 50 Big Board”
It’s May, so it’s a good time to take this news and get some staff thoughts about future Syracuse draft picks.
Are you surprised to see Peal listed as a potential 1st rd pick? Why or why not?
Kevin: Yes. I saw Peal as a draft prospect, but to see him listed as 1st or 2nd round projection is pretty surprising. He played well for the Orange last season and it shows that scouts look beyond the team’s record when evaluating talent.
Dom: Absolutely. Yes to being a likely shoo-in pick at some point in the draft, but getting buzz as high as this is great for him and definitely good for the Orange. Considering he played sparingly in two years with Georgia, then was largely underdiscussed considering Syracuse’s 2025 campaign, I’m surprised in a good way. Excited to see him and Samuel Jr. in coverage, and definitely think success for the team will likely cement being a top-64 pick.
What other players do you think are on track to be selected in the 2027 Draft?
Kevin: Quarterbacks are hard to predict and with Angeli coming off an injury with some questions about arm strength, I’ll go with Keyshawn Johnson. If he can show the ability to get to the passer at the P4 level, he’s going to find someone to take a flier on him.
Dom: Sticking with offense going deep into the well with these picks, I’ve got a hot take: Syracuse could get two offensive lineman drafted. Joe Cruz’s value is limited since he isn’t a guard, but he’s played at LG, RG and center while having good size and frame for the position. Could see him being a day two or three pick. If Zach Rice can be unlocked, he could go third round if all the stars line up (definitely a long shot, that said, but not impossible). On defense, there’s a similar breakout chance with Gary Bryant III.
Looking beyond next year, what Orange players look to be future NFL selections?
Kevin: Demetres Samuel Jr would be the one Orange player I feel comfortable saying is already on the radar of NFL teams. He’s got the measurables and if he can stay healthy I think he’s got the potential to be an early round selection.
Dom: Not fully confident, but if I had to choose players outside Samuel Jr., Byron Washington could just develop into a tank at tackle. I’m also intrigued to see if Ju’Juan Johnson can be the next out-of-nowhere star running back who gets consideration on Day 3.
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Which Syracuse players do you see getting their name called at the NFL Draft in the coming years?
