The question was supposed to be when — not if — Clifton Smith would be drafted.

But after all 262 names were called at the NFL Draft this weekend, Smith, a former Syracuse football team middle linebacker, was surprisingly not selected. Considered a possible first-round pick before last season, Smith instead signed as an undrafted free agent with the Washington Redskins last night, said Steven Hayes, Smith’s agent.

Hayes declined further comment.

Two former SU players had more typical entries into the NFL. Fullback Chris Davis became the first Orangeman to be picked when the Seattle Seahawks took him in the fifth round with the 165th overall spot. The New York Giants picked wide receiver David Tyree in the sixth round with the 211th overall pick.

For the first time in five years, Syracuse failed to have a player picked in the first round.

Davis appears to have landed in the best situation. Seattle doesn’t list any fullbacks on its roster, though Heath Evans often assumes that role.

Smith, meanwhile, will likely have to settle for primarily contributing on special teams, which he occasionally played at SU. Washington signed All-Pro middle linebacker Jeremiah Trotter, formerly a Philadelphia Eagle, last April to a seven-year contract. He’ll also be backing up Kevin Mitchell, another former SU middle linebacker.

Tyree, a special-teams standout, will have to compete with Ron Dixon, Amani Toomer, Ike Hilliard and Daryl Jones for playing time at receiver. All of New York’s receivers have fewer than six years of NFL experience.

‘I’ll definitely be playing wide receiver,’ Tyree said. ‘I got a quick word in with the wide receivers coach, and he told me they like my ability there.’

That the Giants picked Tyree surprised him.

‘They weren’t one of the teams to show interest in me beforehand,’ Tyree said. ‘I didn’t even do a physical for them.’

When Tyree reports for training camp, he’ll be reuniting with former Orangemen Sean O’Connor, a guard, and Will Allen, a cornerback.

Tyree couldn’t have asked for a better location. In New York, he’s landed in a city relatively close to both his Montclair, N.J., home and Syracuse. He said he’ll likely be living close to his parents’ Montclair home.

But for Tyree to like his new home, he’ll have to undergo a change of heart.

‘I grew up hating the Giants, actually, because I loved the 49ers,’ Tyree said. ‘But after this, I have a newfound love for them.’

Published on April 27, 2003 at 12:00 pm