4 UNC football standouts invited to 2024 NFL Draft Scouting Combine

In a few short weeks, the NFL Draft Scouting Combine will take place in Indianapolis.

On Tuesday, the NFL released the list of players invited to this year's event, as a total of 321 prospects have been invited to showcase their talents in front of executives from across the league.

The UNC football program will be represented in Indianapolis, as four Tar Heels have been invited to participate.

To no surprise, star quarterback Drake Maye is among the headliners, as he's viewed by many as a player who is in contention to be selected with the No. 1 overall pick. All eyes will be on the former Tar Heels quarterback, as he likely won't have to wait very long to hear his name called during the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

Along with Maye, Cedric Gray, Devontez "Tez" Walker, and Myles Murphy have also been invited to participate.

One of the best linebackers in the country, Gray has earned a reputation as an elite defensive player. He is coming off a Senior Bowl performance in which he led all defensive players in tackles, as the former Tar Heel has a knack for finding the football and making plays when he does so.

Coming off a roller-coaster type of year in his lone season as a Tar Heel, Walker is a very athletic player who possesses game-changing abilities. For teams looking for wide receiver talent, Walker will certainly be a guy that will be on their radar, as his size and skillset allow him to impact an offense in multiple ways.

Over his four seasons in Chapel Hill, Murphy has developed into a steady presence on the Tar Heels defensive line. In his career, Murphy recorded 98 tackles, seven sacks, and four pass deflections, as the Greensboro, North Carolina native was very much involved in the action when he was on the field.

The NFL Draft Scouting Combine is a great opportunity for players to increase their value, as they'll run through a series of tests and drills that help teams get a better idea of the player's physical attributes and skills. They also can meet with respective teams as well, as their character will be well-on display throughout the process.

There's a lot to prove for all four of these Tar Heels as they look to begin their professional careers on a good note. How they perform in Indianapolis, as well as during the UNC football program's upcoming Pro Day, will go a long way in helping determine their stock come NFL Draft weekend.