The Syracuse Orange held their 2025 Pro Day on Monday, with 14 prospects looking to improve their NFL aspirations at the event. The Clifford Ensley Athletic Center was full of media, scouts, agents and players – both present and past. I was fortunate enough to be able to attend the event. These are my standouts and observations from the Syracuse Pro Day.
Marlowe Waxe is going to be a problem
Most Syracuse fans are very familiar with linebacker Marlowe Wax. The five-year player has been a leader on the defense for years. In fact, in 2024 he returned from injury and had arguably his best season as a pass-rusher despite not being completely healthy. That decision may have cost him All-Star game opportunities. However, it showcased his character – as well as the culture cultivated by head coach Fran Brown. And, at the Syracuse Pro Day, Wax proved that he is a truly special prospect.
During his 40-yard dash, I clocked Wax at 4.51 seconds (unofficial, hand-timed). While I may be a hundredth of a second or two off, the reaction from the attendees at the Ensley Athletic Center spoke for itself. He also performed incredibly well in the 5-10-5 drill. Yet, the Syracuse linebacker also excelled in positional drills, too.
This rep showcased what Wax displayed throughout the event. He was a smooth operator with quick feet, and little wasted movement.
This was some incredibly impressive footwork from Syracuse LB Marlowe Wax at the team's Pro Day. Such a clean rep. Smooth pic.twitter.com/nYwYsTbJXH
— Thomas Christopher (@ThomasCP_NFL) March 17, 2025
In my opinion, this event really allowed Wax to show he has elite speed for the position. And, it should do wonders for his NFL aspirations. The Syracuse linebacker is a unique combination of both speed and strength, that a good coach should easily be able to have translate on the gridiron.
Kyle McCord: Cool under pressure
I was present for Kyle McCord‘s regrettable five-interception game against Pitt during the 2024 season. While that game may have soured some scouts, McCord has since proven that game was more fluke than formality. Whether it was at the Shrine Bowl, or at the Syracuse Pro Day, McCord really shined as a passer.
To many, the throwing portion of the Pro Day was everyone’s highlight. McCord truly only missed one throw on-air throughout the practice session. His timing and accuracy was elite in the pocket, hitting receivers in stride consistently. Most impressive was his deep ball, where he was once again consistent in delivering on time, hitting receivers in stride.
Kyle McCord showed excellent touch on his deep ball during the throwing session at the Syracuse Pro Day. pic.twitter.com/y2hAviA6VA
— Thomas Christopher (@ThomasCP_NFL) March 17, 2025
The Syracuse quarterback had no issue hitting the far side of the field. Nor did he have issue maneuvering in the pocket as the drills continued. The following clip was one of the more impressive on the day. McCord, backpedaling away from his receiver, hit Oronde Gadsden in stride 10+ yards on a crossing route. The quarterback made this throw look so easy that it will likely go unnoticed – but it shouldn’t.
This is extremely impressive. Kyle McCord threw a dime to Oronde Gadsden while backing up and away from the throw. Impressive stuff from his Pro Day at Syracuse pic.twitter.com/HIlF54FIVl
— Thomas Christopher (@ThomasCP_NFL) March 17, 2025
McCord should be a Day 2 quarterback. Regardless, he has proven that he has the tools to perform at the next level.
Cinco Stars
Another star at the event was Alijah “Cinco” Clark. Clark didn’t participate in the 40-yard dash, but was truly a standout in position drills. Despite what looked like a tweaked groin during the early session, Clark showed incredible change of direction, anticipation, and speed. In fact, he had the highlight of the Syracuse Pro Day when he made this diving catch.
Diving catch here by DB Alijah “Cinco” Clark: pic.twitter.com/wu2EI2UKSR
— Ashley Wenskoski (@AshleyWenskTV) March 17, 2025
At the moment, Clark is a fringe-Day 3 prospect according to Mock Draft Database. Yet, his Pro Day may have helped him land with a team and continuing his journey on the gridiron.
Syracuse Pro Day: Other Notes
- Justin Barron was the do-it-all man at the event. He was the center for McCord’s throwing session. He was visibly energetic and engaged with everyone. True leadership qualities on display. I also clocked Barron with a 4.58 40-yard dash.
- Fadil Diggs showcased good bend for his 6-foot-5 frame. Diggs impressed in the 5-10-5 and other positional drills. He also put up an absurd 26 reps on the bench.
- Wide receiver Jackson Meeks displayed strong hands in the pass-catching portion of the Pro Day. Meeks was also quick in and out of breaks on his routes. I clocked the wide receiver with a 4.52 40-yard dash.
- Oronde Gadsden is going to be a complete mismatch at tight end at the NFL level. I don’t think there’s a player that can stop the size and speed of “OG”. He is a smooth route-runner, and I clocked him running a 4.65 40-yard dash.
- Running back LeQuint Allen looked great in the pass-catching portion of the event. He was a smooth route-runner with sure hands.
