Duke and UNC Finish off the NFL Draft Strong
CLEVELAND, OH – The 2021 NFL Draft concluded on Saturday, May 1st, with the final four rounds. It was a strong showing from the ACC and the NC schools. Witnessing many of their players get drafted to take their talents to the next level. As UNC, Duke, NC State, and Wake Forest all had players from their respective schools be selected. Including four Blue Devils and two Tar Heels on day three.
Round 4, Pick 107: RB Michael Carter, UNC
New York Jets
Another Tar Heel running back goes off the board with the Jets selecting Michael Carter with the second pick in the fourth round. Carter was a key factor for UNC’s rushing attack, going for 1,000 yards in back-to-back seasons. He also racked up touchdowns with 28 in three years, including nine in 2020. He is exceptionally physical for his size and is a terrific pass-catcher out of the backfield. He goes to a new-look offense with the Jets, who will rely on their running backs to bring a dual-threat presence, and Carter will do just that.
Round 4, Pick 118: DE Chris Rumph II, Duke
Los Angeles Chargers
The first Duke Blue Devil gets selected in defensive end Chris Rumph II going to LA. Rumph II is a unique talent and caused many issues for ACC quarterbacks in three seasons. Recording 17.5 sacks, 67 tackles, and two forced fumbles highlighted by a career year this past season logging in eight sacks. The 6 foot 5, 235 pounder goes to a Chargers team looking for durability and consistency on the defensive front. His versatility could earn him playing time with the ability to play both on the edge and the interior. He even might see some time at linebacker in the NFL as well.
Round 5, Pick 154: CB/S Michael Carter II, Duke
New York Jets
It is the second NC native that the Jets take on day three of the draft, and it so happens to be that his name is also Michael Carter. The Blue Devils enjoy another player from their squad to be selected as Michael Carter II is heading to the big apple. Carter II can play both safety and cornerback, and it could be possible that he will begin his career with the Jets as a corner because that is a weakness of theirs on the defensive side. In four years spent with Duke, Carter II tallied 135 tackles, 23 passes defended, and four interceptions. He will have the privilege to play under a great defensive mind in Jets head coach Robert Saleh who always seems to get the most out of his players. Carter II will be in their plans due to his flexibility and ball skills in the secondary and has the opportunity to compete for some serious playing time at corner.
Round 5, Pick 162: TE Noah Gray, Duke
Kansas City Chiefs
The big day for Duke Blue Devils football continued with their tight end Noah Gray getting drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs. We all know that the Chiefs have arguably the best tight end in the NFL in Travis Kelce; however, Gray will be an excellent addition to complement Kelce. Gray is another big athletic tight end, and in four seasons at the college level, he caught 105 passes for 948 yards and eight touchdowns.
Round 6, Pick 210: DE Victor Dimukeje, Duke
Arizona Cardinals
Duke edge rusher Victor Dimukeje is heading to Arizona, enjoying a nice four-year stint in Durham. He had 161 tackles, 21.5 sacks, one interception, four forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries. Dimukeje is physical when it comes to rushing the quarterback and is quick off the ball, which bodes well for him getting into the backfield. Arizona is putting together one of the more impressive defensive lines in football. Signing JJ Watt in Free Agency was a big part of that, and there is no one better to learn from as a rookie than a five-time pro bowler and three-time defensive player of the year.
Round 6, Pick 221: WR Dazz Newsome, UNC
Chicago Bears
The 5 foot 10 wideout, Dazz Newsome, is expected to catch passes from Bears rookie quarterback Justin Fields for years to come. Newsome could have quickly gone earlier in the draft, making him a steal for Chicago in the sixth round. He had 20 combined scores in four seasons, including 54 receptions, 684 yards, and six touchdowns in 2020. Newsome is a speedy slot receiver, supporting a 4.5 40-yard dash, and is a playmaker that showcases great hands and polished route-running abilities.
It is now time to wait and see which prospects have what it takes to excel in the NFL, and with both college and professional football coming up in September. It won’t be too long until there are talks regarding the 2022 draft class with North Carolina QB Sam Howell headlining it, along with much more talent from Duke, NC State, and NC Central.