UNC's Top NFL Draft Picks and Their Rookie Impacts
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has produced some outstanding NFL talent over the years. Several top draft picks from UNC went on to have excellent rookie seasons and some have even grown into franchise stars.
Mitchell Trubisky’s Mixed Rookie Season
Mitchell Trubisky was selected second overall in the 2017 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears after an impressive college career at UNC. As a rookie, Trubisky showed flashes of brilliance but also inconsistency common for first-year quarterbacks. He passed for 2,193 yards in 12 games with 7 touchdowns and 7 interceptions while completing 59.4 percent of passes. While the team struggled to a 5-11 record, Trubisky gained valuable experience and showed the potential that made him a top draft selection.
Julius Peppers’ Dominant Rookie Campaign
Julius Peppers burst onto the NFL scene as the 2nd overall pick in the 2002 draft after a standout career at North Carolina. As a rookie defensive end for the Carolina Panthers, Peppers made an immediate impact by recording 12 sacks, 5 forced fumbles, and an interception on his way to being named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. Peppers would go on to have a Hall of Fame-worthy 17-year career as one of the most feared pass rushers of his era.
A Tar Heel Great Turned Minnesota Viking
Perhaps the most decorated NFL player ever produced by the North Carolina program is Vikings wide receiver Ryan Switzer. At UNC, Switzer set several school receiving records and left as the ACC career leader in receptions and receiving yards. Drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 2017, Switzer was traded to Minnesota where he has become an integral part of their offense. When betting on the Vikings, North Carolina residents can use top-rated sports betting in North Carolina sites like PlayOJO to wager on Switzer and the team each week. Going into 2022, Switzer looks to build on a successful first season catching passes from Kirk Cousins in Minnesota’s dynamic offense.
More Notable UNC Draft Selections
While Trubisky, Peppers, and Switzer stand out as UNC’s top NFL picks in recent memory, several other Tar Heels have been taken in the first round and gone on to professional success:
Offensive tackle Harris Barton (1st round, 49ers) - 5-time Pro Bowler with 89 starts in 8 seasons in San Francisco
Wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (1st round, Giants) - Caught 155 passes, 22 TDs in first 3 years with 2 Super Bowl wins
Defensive back Dre Bly (2nd round, Rams) - 4 Pro Bowls; 43 interceptions over 11 seasons
Top Defenders Anchoring NFL Secondaries
UNC has a strong lineage of defensive backs starring in the NFL, including two current standouts:
Free safety Eric Reid (1st round, 49ers) - Led San Francisco secondary before moving to Carolina in 2018
Strong safety Da'Norris Searcy (4th round, Bills) - Became full-time starter in 2017; 3 INTs and 65 tackles with Titans
While North Carolina is best known for its basketball tradition, the Tar Heels’ football program has churned out numerous NFL draft picks who achieved rookie success and well-decorated pro careers beyond. With current stars like Mitch Trubisky just hitting their stride, UNC’s pipeline to the NFL will likely continue supplying top-tier talent for years to come.