2017 NFL Draft Prospects: UNC Tar Heels

There are many NCAA schools riddled with NFL talent on their rosters. Each player has the sparkle in his eye and the hope of hearing his name called in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on April 27th. The reality is, not everyone can be selected during the 2017 NFL draft. Today, I break down the NFL talent from the University of North Carolina.

The UNC Tar Heels

The Tar Heels have thirteen prospects that have a chance to hear their name called during the 2017 NFL draft. Let’s take a more in-depth look at each player.

Mitchell Trubisky – QB

Height: 6’2″
Weight: 222 lbs.

One of the biggest stories from the 2017 NFL combine was whether or not we should call him “Mitch or Mitchell”. Apparently, his mother wants him to be called Mitchell, not Mitch. Regardless, Mitchell Trubisky is the epidemy of “potential over production”. Trubisky only started 13 games in his entire collegiate career.

In those 13 games, he threw for 4,672 yards and 30 touchdowns (6 interceptions). He also recorded an average of 8.4 yards per passing attempt and a passing efficiency rating of 157.9.

At Jon Gruden’s camp, Trubisky learned Gruden’s offense and terminology quickly. He will need to continue to work on locating blitzes and reading coverages, however, he does have the arm strength to make nearly every NFL throw.

The likelihood of Trubisky lasting to the 12th pick is not high. I do not think teams will reach to take a quarterback too early in this draft, as there are no clear-cut, top-5 selections. There is too much NFL-ready defensive talent that will be selected high. I see Trubisky being selected early in the 1st round by the Buffalo Bills (10th overall). The Bills are not overly thrilled about Tyrod Taylor and are looking for his replacement. After a year of grooming, Trubisky could be the future of the franchise.

Player Comparison: Smaller Ryan Tannehill

The Other Tar Heels

Nazair Jones (DT) – Early 4th round (111th overall) – Chicago Bears
Ryan Switzer (WR) – Mid/Late 4th round (136th overall) – Atlanta Falcons
T.J.  Logan (RB) – Late 4th round (144th overall) – Indianapolis Colts 
Mack Hollins (WR) – Early 5th round (145th overall) – Cleveland Browns 
Elijah Hood (RB) – Early 5th round (159th overall) – Baltimore Ravens
Bug Howard (WR) – Early 7th round (223rd overall) – Los Angeles Rams
Des Lawrence (CB) – Late 7th round (251st overall) – Cincinnati Bengals
Lucas Crowley (C) – Undrafted
Caleb Peterson (OG) – Undrafted
Mickey Bart (DE) – Undrafted
Dominique Green (FS) – Undrafted
Nick Weiler (K) – Undrafted.