The 4 biggest NFL Draft busts from UNC since 2000

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Since the NFL was created in 1936, the North Carolina Tar Heels have had 224 players drafted into the league.

Four Tar Heels have been taken as high as second overall (Ken Willard, Lawrence Taylor, Julius Peppers, and Mitch Trubisky) and every single NFL franchise has drafted at least one former UNC player.

However, not all Tar Heels have gone on to success and fame at the professional level.

As stars like Drake Maye, Devontez Walker, and more prepare for the 2024 NFL Draft, take a look back at which UNC players blew their opportunities in the NFL.

Here are the five former Tar Heel legends who became some of the biggest NFL Draft busts since 2000:

4. . . player. 441. 2002 NFL Draft. Round 1, Pick 6. Ryan Sims. Ryan Sims. Ryan Sims

143 tackles
8.5 sacks
1 forced fumble

Dec. 8, 2008; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart (28) avoids Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Ryan Sims (98). / Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

As the No. 6 overall pick, you are expected to be one of the next great stars in the NFL. It took Ryan Sims nine seasons to collect just 8.5 sacks and only 143 total tackles.

The highlight of Sims' career was a forced fumble during the 2003 season which he recovered. He also intercepted a pass attempt that season and recovered a second fumble in 2009.

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