North Carolina Tar Heels
The UNC program made big strides after the return of Mack Brown. Their impact in the draft is also looking up after a pair of last-day picks in April.
Chazz Surratt, whose brother plays receiver for Wake Forest, is an outstanding off-ball and space linebacker with a three-down game, as he’s terrific in pursuit and shows ability in coverage. Surratt plays tough, instinctive football and nicely projects as a 4-3 weakside linebacker.
Related | 2021 NFL Draft: ACC edge rusher rankings
Dyami Brown is a big-play receiver with home-run-hitting speed. He’s a vertical threat, but he’s also a good receiver who can be used on underneath routes.
Though he’s not yet draft eligible, true sophomore quarterback Sam Howell has all the makings of a very early first-round pick.
Reminder: To view my grades and projected draft rounds for ACC draft-eligible prospects, scroll to the end of the article.
North Carolina State Wolfpack
Injuries hampered NC State last season, but the Wolfpack returns in 2020 with a solid group of defensive prospects at the top of the board.
Isaiah Moore comes off a disappointing sophomore campaign and played better as a freshman in 2018. He’s a fierce, athletic linebacker who stacks well against the run, gets depth on pass drops and effectively makes plays in space. Moore needs to take his game to the next level and prove 2018 was not the exception to the rule.
Related | 2021 NFL Draft: Alim McNeill is an underrated draft prospect
Alim McNeill is a stout, somewhat athletic nose tackle with the ability to make plays on the ball. He explodes off the snap, plays with great pad level and is impossible to move off the point. McNeill is not a good pass rusher and has limitations, although he could start in the right system on Sundays.
Pittsburgh Panthers
In recent years it has been primarily last-day picks coming from Pittsburgh, a program known for placing quality receivers in the draft. 2020 will have a decidedly defensive flavor come draft day, especially on the defensive line.
The Panthers have three defensive linemen to key on, starting with junior Jaylen Twyman, an explosive three-technique tackle with rare quickness. Twyman’s first step is impossible to handle, and he easily changes direction to make plays in space. He plays with great leverage and effectively uses his hands, but size and growth limitations are issues.
Patrick Jones is also slightly undersized, but he’s a terrific pass rusher who makes a lot of plays behind the line of scrimmage. Jones can bend the edge with speed and makes plays in space. He does struggle to get off blocks and must add strength to his game.
Related | The Pitt Panthers boast the country’s most complete defensive line
Rashad Weaver could be the best of the trio if he gets back to prior playing form. Weaver has better size and speed numbers than his two teammates and is a more complete player. Weaver has great upside and the potential to move up draft boards if he builds upon the dominance he flashed in 2018.
Pittsburgh also has a pair of safeties that I like.
Paris Ford is a complete safety who is a destructive run defender, shows terrific range in center field and has solid ball skills. Ford lacks great size, but he has enough ability to start as a free safety in the league.
Despite not having the athleticism or speed of his teammate, I am a big fan of Damar Hamlin — a tough, instinctive and hard-working defensive back. Hamlin is solid in all areas of his game and is just a smart safety who could make a roster as a dime back and special-teams player.
Reminder: To view my grades and projected draft rounds for ACC draft-eligible prospects, scroll to the end of the article.
Syracuse Orange
Syracuse struggled last season after making a bowl appearance in 2018. The program has not had a second-day draft pick since 2014, something that will end next year.
Safety Andre Cisco is highly thought of in the scouting community. Scouts who grade underclassmen have Cisco rated higher than the third-round prospect I’ve stamped him to be. He’s an explosive free safety who violently defends the run and shows a lot of skill in coverage. Cisco displays great range going sideline to sideline and sells out to make plays.
His size is a bit of a concern for me, but Cisco’s football ability is next-level.
Trill Williams flashes ability and is a nice-sized corner. I’d like to see more consistent play, as Williams has a lot of upside.
Page 1: Boston College, Clemson, Duke, Florida State
Page 2: Georgia Tech, Louisville, Miami (FL)
Page 3: North Carolina, NC State, Pittsburgh, Syracuse
Page 4: Virginia, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest