With The First Pick
Fansided

2021 NFL Draft: 3 prospects to watch in Syracuse vs Boston College

By Timothy Rodriguez

SYRACUSE, NY - SEPTEMBER 08: Andre Cisco #19 and Christopher Fredrick #3 of the Syracuse Orange celebrate Cisco's second interception during the first quarter against the Wagner Seahawks at the Carrier Dome on September 8, 2018 in Syracuse, New York. Syracuse defeats Wagner 62-10. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
SYRACUSE, NY - SEPTEMBER 08: Andre Cisco #19 and Christopher Fredrick #3 of the Syracuse Orange celebrate Cisco's second interception during the first quarter against the Wagner Seahawks at the Carrier Dome on September 8, 2018 in Syracuse, New York. Syracuse defeats Wagner 62-10. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
2021 NFL Draft
2021 NFL Draft prospect Ifeatu Melifonwu. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports /

Ifeatu Melifonwu, Syracuse

Andre Cisco is not the only playmaker on the back end of that Orange defense. Ifeatu Melifonwu, brother of NFL free agent Obi Melifonwu, is putting together a very impressive 2020 campaign. Him and Cisco are likely the best playmaking defensive back tandem in the nation, and it is a damn shame that Cisco is gone.

When Syracuse takes the field on defense, all draft eyes will turn to Melifonwu, who has great size and athleticism. Like his brother, he is a big hybrid defensive back who is one of the most athletic playmakers on the field. He uses his natural gifts and ball skills to disrupt a number of passes. He plays a lot of cornerback, but some places still have him listed as a safety. It remains to be seen whether the NFL sees him as a safety or corner.

The 2021 safety class is hard to gauge because there are so many players that can be impact players in the NFL, but have yet to separate themselves from the pack. Coming into the season, Hamsah Nasirildeen from FSU had been the early favorite to be the first one off the board, but injuries have held him back.

Melifonwu is another player who can climb up draft boards with some more great performances. The NFL will always love an athlete in the defensive backfield and Melifonwu is a freak of nature. With the potential to be a versatile chess piece on defense, Melifonwu will see his stock rise, specifically after the scouting combine.

Home/NCAA Football News