North Carolina’s 2021 NFL Draft prospects might be headlined by running back Javonte Williams, but wide receiver Dazz Newsome offers a dangerous and versatile piece for a team at the next level.
Dazz Newsome NFL Draft Profile
- Position: Wide Receiver
- School: North Carolina
- Current Year: Senior
- Height: 5’10 1/8″
- Weight: 190 pounds
Tony Pauline’s Dazz Newsome Scouting Report
Positives: Reliable pass catcher with average size and speed. Settles into the open spot of the defense, exposes himself to come away with the difficult grab, and possesses outstanding eye/hand coordination. Adjusts to the errant throw, looks the ball into his hands, and makes the reception in stride. Consistent hands catcher who keeps the play in bounds and works to pick up positive yardage after the catch.
[sv slug=”drizly”]Negatives: Displays limited play speed and literally no burst in his game. Comes with average size and struggles in battles.
Analysis: Newsome showed terrific development in his game last season and really progressed as a senior. He’s a sure-handed wideout who does the little things well and can make a roster as a fifth receiver in a timing offense.
Dazz Newsome Player Profile
Although he heads to the NFL Draft as a wide receiver prospect, North Carolina’s Dazz Newsome was projected to be a college cornerback. At Hampton High School in Virginia, he was simply an athlete. Providing a glimpse of the dynamic threat he would become later, he earned first-team All-State honors as a junior punt returner. Meanwhile, his pass-catching prowess earned him second-team All-State honors as a wide receiver.
His early college offers came from Old Dominion and Iowa State. The three-star athlete committed to Maryland in October 2016. However, his recruiting became complicated as his senior season introduced the college football world to his full repertoire of skills.
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Seeing time as a wide receiver, running back, cornerback, and safety, he racked up an incredible 1,684 rushing yards and 413 receiving yards. 35 total touchdowns would come from a combination of rushing, receiving, punt returns, and interception returns.
As interest — and offers — grew for the Daily Press Offensive Player of the Year, he de-committed from Maryland and reopened his recruiting process. With a strong family connection to Virginia Tech, the Hokies were the favorite to capture his signature. However, on National Signing Day, he revealed his commitment to North Carolina.
Dazz Newsome’s college football career at North Carolina
Despite being considered a cornerback prospect out of high school, Dazz Newsome was called upon for an offense that had lost two wide receivers to the NFL Draft. Making two starts and nine appearances, he caught 18 passes for 227 yards. Additionally, he rushed for 52 yards on 8 carries. Although he’d been a prolific touchdown scorer at Hampton, the end zone alluded him in 2017.
That would be rectified as a sophomore in 2018. The versatile offensive weapon scored rushing, receiving, and return touchdowns in a season that saw him register 1,013 all-purpose yards. His value to the Tar Heels was best demonstrated in an ACC Specialist of the Week performance against Syracuse. He secured 7 catches for 90 yards and returned a punt for a 75-yard touchdown.
His development as a pass-catcher became obvious in 2019
He earned second-team All-ACC honors, as he led the team with 72 receptions. He converted those into 1,018 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. Two touchdowns came against Virginia Tech, while he secured a game-winning touchdown against Miami. His ability to change a game was shown as he led all slot receivers in 20+ yard touchdowns with six.
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Although his senior season statistics didn’t meet his junior campaign’s lofty results, he still ended the season with 684 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns. A large chunk of that production came from a career-high 189 yards and 2 touchdowns against Wake Forest.
Following the 2020 college football season, Dazz Newsome declared for the 2021 NFL Draft. He finished his North Carolina career with the third-most catches, fifth-most receiving yards, and seventh-most receiving touchdowns in program history.
Dazz Newsome’s best fits in the 2021 NFL Draft
Although he operates mainly from the slot, he has versatility, making him a desirable NFL Draft prospect. He can create big plays out of the slot position. He also provides excellent value as a return man.
Some potential landing spots for Dazz Newsome in the 2021 NFL Draft include the Indianapolis Colts, Kansas City Chiefs, and the New England Patriots. However, any team with a need at wide receiver would find value by adding the North Carolina wide receiver to their roster. Due to the depth of the wide receiver class, he could be a Day 3 steal.
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Oliver Hodgkinson is a staff writer for Pro Football Network. You can follow him on Twitter at @ojhodgkinson.