Alim McNeill Highlights NC Natives for the NFL Draft

CLEVELAND, OH – NC State Wolfpack defensive lineman Alim McNeill was the highlight for NC natives getting selected on day two of the NFL Draft. As the second and third rounds took place on Friday, April 30th, hosted in Cleveland.  

The trend of ACC and North Carolina players getting drafted continued. After witnessing six ACC players get drafted in the first round, such as Trevor Lawrence, Jaelan Phillips, Caleb Farley, Christian Darrisaw, Travis Etienne, and Gregory Rousseau. 

Round 2, Pick 35: RB Javonte Williams, UNC

Denver Broncos

Javonte Williams becomes the first UNC Tar Heel to go off the board with the third pick of the second round. The Broncos saw something in Williams as they traded up with the Atlanta Falcons to land him. He is coming off an impressive career in UNC, highlighted by his 2020 season. He piled up a total of 22 touchdowns, 1,140 rushing yards, and 305 receiving yards. He is a dual-threat back who is highly physical and can give Melvin Gordon a run for his money for the starting job come September. 

Round 2, Pick 46: OT Jackson Carman, Clemson

Cincinnati Bengals 

The Bengals get much-needed protection for their franchise quarterback in Joe Burrow with Jackson Carman. As a multi-year starter, Carmen is freakishly athletic and powerful at 6 foot 5, 335 pounds. He is still a raw prospect, but his future can be bright if he takes his strengths to the next level.  

Round 2, Pick 47: CB Asante Samuel Jr., Florida State

Los Angeles Chargers

Asante Samuel Jr, of FSU, continues the ACC trend as the Chargers get him at a great value. It may be fair to say that he dropped because of being undersized. However, the son of Asante Samuel will get a fair chance to be a starting slot corner in the NFL. He is a solid run tackler and is an aggressive pass defender. In three years at FSU, he totaled up 97 tackles, 29 passes defended, and four interceptions. 

Round 2, Pick 57: WR Tutu Atwell, Louisville

Los Angeles Rams

5 foot 9 speedy wide receiver, Tutu Atwell finds his new home in LA with the Rams. In three seasons with Louisville, Atwell caught 139 passes for 2,303 yards and 21 total touchdowns. He has big-play potential and is tough to tackle in the open field because of his breakaway speed. Atwell is already receiving a lot of comparisons to his new teammate DeSean Jackson. 

Round 2, Pick 61: DE Carlos Basham Jr., Wake Forest 

Buffalo Bills

The Bills go back-to-back ACC players with selecting Wake Forest edge rusher Carlos Basham Jr. At 6 foot 5, 285 pounds, Basham Jr. had first-rounder potential because of his pure strength and versatility along with his massive frame. He recorded 173 tackles, 19.5 sacks, and seven forced fumbles in his four-year stint with the Demon Deacons. 

Round 3, Pick 72: DT Alim McNeill, NC State

Detroit Lions

NC State’s own Alim McNeill is the first member of the Wolfpack to be selected in the 2021 NFL draft. The Lions get McNeill at a steal, and this a player who can become a starting nose tackle if he continues to improve. Coming into the college level, he had never played defensive tackle, but the transition was smooth. He became a key asset for the Wolfpack defense. He showcases power and strength and is extremely athletic for a 6 foot 2 320 pounder. In three years, the run stopper finished with 77 tackles, two forces fumbles, and 10 sacks. 

Round 3, Pick 78: LB Chazz Surratt, UNC

Minnesota Vikings

A former UNC quarterback, now linebacker Chazz Surratt adds to the ACC bunch getting drafted to the Vikings. Surratt is an outstanding athlete who is highly physical, versatile and is solid in pass coverage. After making the ironic position change, he instantly became one of the more productive linebackers in the ACC. In his career with the Tar Heels, he tallied up 226 tackles, 12.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and two interceptions, which earned him ACC runner-up for defensive player of the year.

Round 3, Pick 81: TE Hunter Long, Boston College

Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins add another playmaker with BC Eagles tight end Hunter Long. Long is a perfect red zone tight end at 6 foot 5 and enjoyed a breakout junior season in 2020. He snagged 57 receptions, for 685 yards, and five touchdowns. He will most likely be a secondary tight end, but if he continues to improve as a pass-catcher and blocker in the NFL, he could see his snap count increase.

Round 3, Pick 82: WR Dyami Brown, UNC

Washington Football Team

Star UNC wide receiver Dyami Brown will be heading to Washington with former Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera. As a two-year starter for the Tar Heels he had back-to-back 50 receptions and 1000 yard seasons, and 21 career touchdowns. Brown is a great athlete and route runner and is a vertical threat down the field. His ability to play from the outside and the slot will be valuable, especially for an offense like Washington.

Round 3, Pick 85: WR Amari Rodgers, Clemson

Green Bay Packers

A Clemson Tiger goes off the board with Amari Rodgers, most likely catching passes from Aaron Rodgers. He had a career-best season in 2020 with 77 receptions, 1,020 yards, and seven touchdowns. He goes into a perfect scenario in an offense that loves to throw the deep ball, which is Rodgers’ specialty. 

It was another great showing from North Carolina prospects and the ACC in the NFL draft. There should be plenty more to come on day three held tomorrow on May 1st at, noon.