Since Butch Davis arrived at North Carolina (and now removed as the head coach), this North Carolina team has been stocked with NFL talent the last three years. In those last three drafts, they’ve had SIXTEEN players drafted, including EIGHT in the Top 100 of their respected drafts. This year is no different, as the Tar Heels feature three likely first rounders, two juniors that will likely be 2nd or 3rd rounders, and two others that have great chances to be drafted in the middle to later rounds.
As for their opponent in the “AdvoCare V1000 Independnce Bowl”, the Missouri Tigers, they have a handful of NFL prospects themself, from a tight end that continues the Missouri pipeline at that position, two defensive linemen, and a junior linebacker with great potential.
1. Dwight Jones, WR, North Carolina
One of the top receivers in the 2012 NFL Draft, he may have one of highest ceilings of any receiver eligible for the draft. His ball skills, fluidity, physicality, focus on the ball, and overall smoothness in his ability could very well make him the best receiver to come out in this class by year two or three in the NFL.
2. Zach Brown, OLB, North Carolina
An outstanding athlete, he’s been able to be productive despite making mistakes technique-wise. He’s still set to develop more in the NFL, and is a very moldable linebacker who has rare athletic ability in coverage, pass rushing, open field tackling, and shooting the gap. He could go as high as the Top 20, and he’ll showcase his coverage ability in this one.
3. Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina
At one point considered one of the drafts Top 5 prospects for sure, his inconsistent senior year and exposing of flaws has left a sour taste in my mouth a little. He needs to improve on which move to use when and set up his blocker more effectively, but his raw skills and length could make him one of the NFL’s best pass rushers in the future.
4. Kevin Reddick, ILB, North Carolina (JR)
A great “football player” at the inside linebacker position, he has improved since his sophomore year substanially. His improved range, better technique as he scrapes across the line, and willingness to fill the gap and blow up a play has been impressive. He’s not as physical with blockers as I’d like right now, but he has a high ceiling for an inside linebacker.
5. Zavier Gooden, OLB, Missouri (JR)
An elite athlete who showcases great hips and change of dirrection, he has all the physical tools in an NFL outside linebacker. But he struggles to react quickly and effectively intially off the snap, and doesn’t have the ideal instincts to consistently make plays in the backfield and across the line of scrimmage.
6. Donte Paige-Moss, DE, North Carolina (JR)
An elite athlete at defensive end, if he declares, he likely won’t fall past the third round based on raw length, physical ability and movement. However, he is far from developed as a rusher, needs to stay lower and better utilize counter rush moves, and would be best suited (and likely will) stay in college for his senior season and be the feature defensive player.
7. Michael Egnew, TE, Missouri
A great mid-field weapon, a bit lesser than previous Missouri tight ends like Martin Rucker and Chase Coffman. Still, he’s a very reliable 3rd down receiver and can stretch the field (see our most recent Scout’s Notes article). He lacks great blocking skill, but still should test this North Carolina linebackers in this one.
8. Dominique Hamilton, DT, Missouri
An impact nose tackle that eats up blocks well and fights well at the line with his hands. He can push and collapse the pocket well and consistently fights to force the quarterback outside the pocket and generate pressure. He’s going up against a solid UNC interior line lead by junior guard Jon Cooper.
Others to Watch:
9. Tydreke Powell, DT, North Carolina
10. Charles Brown, CB, North Carolina
11. Dan Hoch, OT, Missouri
12. Jacquies Smith, DE, Missouri
12. Ryan Houston, RB, North Carolina
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