Keeping It Heel
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2017 NFL Draft: North Carolina Tar Heels best fits

By Brandon Griffin

Dec 30, 2016; El Paso, TX, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels defensive tackle Nazair Jones (90) pumping his team up before facing the Stanford Cardinal at Sun Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ivan Pierre Aguirre-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2016; El Paso, TX, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels defensive tackle Nazair Jones (90) pumping his team up before facing the Stanford Cardinal at Sun Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ivan Pierre Aguirre-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 24, 2016; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels wide receiver Ryan Switzer (3) runs after a catch in the game against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 24, 2016; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels wide receiver Ryan Switzer (3) runs after a catch in the game against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

The Blur

Position: Wide Receiver

Measurements: 5-foot-8 and 1/2, 181 lbs

Last Season: Had 96 receptions for 1,112 yards and six touchdowns. Also had 16 punt returns for 106 yards.

What is needed: Ryan Switzer is your typical slot receiver. He has the feel of a Wes Welker; a player who just needs the ball in space whether on offense or special teams. He needs to be on a team that knows how to hit him quick for easy yards.

Best Fits: Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars, New Orleans Saints

Houston Texans: This pick would’ve been better had the Texans actually signed Tony Romo, but is still a good fit, regardless. Houston already has their Mack Hollins in Will Fuller V and their Bug Howard in Deandre Hopkins. What they need is a Ryan Switzer.

They had success with Cecil Shorts III in that position back in 2015. He had 42 receptions for 484 yards and two scores. Switzer would have to battle Braxton Miller as the third receiver, but could easily develop in that role while helping out on special teams early.

The 169th pick would seem like a good time for the Texans to add Switzer to their roster.

Jacksonville Jaguars: The Jaguars also had Shorts in the past and had great success. They currently have three decent receivers, but all three are coming off disappointing seasons and none bring the the home run potential of Switzer.

Switzer would immediately become a favorite for embattled quarterback, Blake Bortles, who could use a reliable receiver after his top three guys only caught 51% of the passes thrown their way.

Jacksonville would probably use their sixth round pick (No. 187)if they decided to select Switzer.

New Orleans Saints: The Saints might be one of the best landing spots available for Switzer. They have a top quarterback in Drew Brees who gets the ball out quick and on target. They also have an opening after trading speedy wide receiver Brandin Cooks to the Patriots.

They did sign Ted Gin Jr in the offseason but Ginn is 31 and may not be able to maintain his speed for +many more seasons. Switzer could be a good future replacement for the Saints.

New Orleans holds the 196th overall pick in the middle of the sixth round. If Switzer is still around, the Saints might make him unavailable to other teams at that point.

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