2019 NFL Draft: Early look at UNC Football prospects

We take a look at some UNC Football prospects and where they may stand for the 2019 NFL Draft

We haven’t even started the 2018 NFL or college football seasons yet and already mock drafts are out for the next wave of talent heading into the 2019 NFL Draft.

The college season starts in just under a month in what should be another exciting season filled with plenty of storylines along the way. For the North Carolina Tar Heels, they are coming off a disappointing 3-9 season with a 1-7 record in ACC play. They really can only go up from here.

Despite the poor season, UNC still have a very talented roster and some of that will carry over into 2018. While most of the NFL-ready talent appears to be on the defensive side of the football, UNC does have some playmakers on offense headlined by the versatile Anthony Ratliff-Williams.

As UNC is in the middle of training camp, we though it would be a good time to take a look at the NFL-ready talent on this roster.

Tony Pauline of Draft Analyst broke down UNC’s best pro prospects and where they are projected to go as of now in the 2019 NFL Draft. Pauline mentioned safety Myles Dorn as the Tar Heels best draft prospect right away and had nothing but praise for the junior.

He has Dorn projected to go in the second round with a 3.95 grade and mentioned that he even had him as a first-round pick in his first mock back in May.

"Dorn is a nice-sized defensive back who plays with great speed and suddenness. He has the toughness to line up at safety but also shows enough ball skills to get consideration at cornerback. Dorn shows great range and the ability shut down game plans in the secondary. I saw significant improvement in his game last season, and Dorn offers a nice degree of upside."

While Dorn is the standout on defense, Pauline spotlighted wide receiver/return man Anthony Ratliff-Williams as his highest-graded player on offense.

Pauline has Ratliff-Williams as a third-round pick with a 3.74 grade. He noted that Ratliff-Williams had ideal size with good has and “playmaking” ability. UNC fans saw that playmaking ability last season when Ratliff-Williams dazzled fans in the receiving and return game. He should be their biggest threat again this year.

As for others, Pauline has the following players projected to be drafted in 2019: DT Jalen Dalton (6th), TE Brandon Fritts (6th), CB K.J. Sails (6th), CB Patrice Rene (6th), and DT Aaron Crawford (7th).

In addition to those players, Pauline lists seven other players that should sign as undrafted free agents including Cole Holcomb, Malik Carney and Charlie Heck among others.

According to Pauline, Dorn is the seventh-best prospect among all players that are Draft eligible in the ACC with Ratliff-Williams at No. 17. Clemson leads the way early with the top four players in the ACC rankings, all on the defensive line and all expected to be first-round picks.

Now, a lot can change between now and next April including players deciding to stay at UNC or leave early. But the draft stock might be something to keep an eye on as we go through the season.

For more on the Tar Heels football program, please check back with Keeping It Heel.