Detroit: University of North Carolina Athletics Draft Arrives For Tar Heel NFL Hopefuls

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Detroit: University of North Carolina Athletics Draft Arrives For Tar Heel NFL Hopefuls

The 2024 NFL Draft begins on Thursday in Detroit, and Carolina is expected to make a big impact throughout the weekend’s festivities. Tar Heel quarterback Drake Maye is among the top-rated players available in the Draft and is expected to be picked early in the first round.

Top Prospects

As a redshirt sophomore in 2023, Maye completed over 63 percent of his passes for 3,608 yards and 24 touchdowns with only nine interceptions. He also ran for 449 yards and nine more scores and ended the season with a quarterback rating of 149.00.

Other Talented Players

Maye is not the only Tar Heel who could be picked this weekend. Devontez Walker is among the ACC’s top wide receiver prospects, while linebacker Cedric Gray and defensive lineman Myles Murphy are also looking to make an impact at the next level.

Impressive Careers

In his career, Gray was a two-time first-team All-ACC selection and a second-team All-America in 2022. Murphy grabbed honorable mention All-ACC honors in 2023 after posting 24 tackles, a sack, 4.5 tackles for loss, two quarterback pressures, and a fumble recovery in 13 starts.

Historical Success

Carolina has produced 251 all-time NFL Draft selections, including 24 first-round picks. UNC has had eight first-round picks since 2008, third-most in the ACC behind Clemson and Florida State. Nine Tar Heels have been picked in the top 10 of the NFL Draft, including Hall of Famers Lawrence Taylor and Julius Peppers.