North Carolina’s presence was notable throughout the entirety of the 2024 NFL Draft, as three of its football players were selected over the span of three days, across seven rounds, and comprising a total of 257 picks in Detroit.
The Tar Heels saw quarterback Drake Maye become a first-round selection by the New England Patriots, while linebacker Cedric Gray was chosen in the fourth round by the Tennessee Titans, and receiver Tez Walker was picked up by the Baltimore Ravens also in the fourth round.
However, the NFL dreams don’t end there for North Carolina’s football program. Several other Tar Heels, including running back British Brooks, defensive lineman Tomari Fox, edge rusher/outside linebacker Amari Gainer, defensive lineman Myles Murphy, and offensive lineman Spencer Rolland, have secured undrafted free-agent contracts with various NFL teams.
These players now face the challenge of proving themselves in training camps and preseason games, striving to earn coveted spots on the teams’ rosters.
While going undrafted may not be the ideal route to the NFL, it’s a path that many players have successfully navigated, including the older brother of Tomari Fox. Despite not hearing their names called during the draft, several UNC prospects have found opportunities with NFL teams following the 2024 draft.
British Brooks, though often quietly leading, commanded respect as a team leader during his extensive tenure with the Tar Heels, spanning six years and 52 college games. Despite facing setbacks like a knee ligament tear that sidelined him for the entire 2022 season, Brooks left his mark with a total of 836 rushing yards and seven touchdowns.
Leave a Reply