The history of first-round NFL Draft picks from North Carolina

Posted Apr 26, 2024
North Carolina has a track record of producing talented football players who are good enough to make it to the NFL. 54 players from the Tar Heel state have been selected in the first round of the NFL Draft. This is our list of all of them. UNC: 2013 — Jonathan Cooper (No. 7 overall, Arizona Cardinals), 2014 — Eric Ebron (No. 10 overall, Detroit Lions). (High School OT)

Related: Football, Tar Heels in the NFL

UNC Football Opponent Snapshot: East Tennessee State
In an otherwise gauntlet of a football schedule — one of the country's toughest — North Carolina's lone game against a non-Power 4 opponent comes...
Mon May 18, 2026

Newsletter: Matt Able Decision Time, Michael Malone on the Recruiting Trail, Kevin Thomas Commits
The NBA Draft Combine is over, and it’s decision time for UNC shooting guard Matt Able. Plus, Michael Malone hit the recruiting trail handing out...
Mon May 18, 2026

UNC football to wear 1980 throwback jerseys for game during 2026 season
UNC football will wear throwback jerseys in 2026 to celebrate the 100th season of Kenan Stadium. Bill Belichick’s Tar Heels will rock uniforms from the...
Sun May 17, 2026

Patriots QB Drake Maye already earning praise from new teammates
Julian Hill was already impressed with Drake Maye before he signed with the Patriots this offseason. The veteran tight end spent three seasons in Miami...
Sat May 16, 2026