Mikel Jones looked athletic and agile during Syracuse's Pro Day in front of all 32 NFL teams.

“A lot of thoughts but I was happy I was able to go out there and perform," Jones said. "Show my talents. Show what I’m good at. To be able to do that in front of all these teams, I feel like it’s the most teams I’ve seen since I’ve been here. It’s a blessing.”

His tape does all of his talking. The heart and soul of a defense that was one of the best in the NCAA a season ago before an ankle injury cut short his final season in Orange. But his motivation at Pro Day came from not being invited to the NFL Combine in April.

“I was very surprised," Jones said of not getting a combine invite. "But also, I feel like it was one of those situations where God makes no mistakes. It was probably in my best interest. It made today a lot more because it was my only opportunity to showcase my talent. It gave me an extra two weeks to dial in on the details on some of the small drills and things like that. I got stronger on the bench press in those two weeks. It was a blessing at the end of the day.”

And Jones might have already found a mentor at the next level: former SU standout Zaire Franklin of the Indianapolis Colts.

“I talked to him right before the full process," Jones said. "I know he knows in this process a lot of people will be reaching out, and he did give me words of encouragement during this process, how it’s going to be and what to expect, so I definitely appreciate him. And he also tweeted out something. I’m sure you’ve all seen the tweet. It just gave me a little bit of comfort knowing the situation. Toy can start wherever, it’s all about how you finish.”

There’s no telling where his path will take him. But he’ll enjoy the ride and everything that comes with it.

“Oddest question? Apple or orange," Jones said of questions asked during the NFL Draft interview process. "Would I consider myself an apple or orange. I chose apple. There’s a lot behind it because I’m solid to the core.”