The NFL Combine is one of the most electrifying and crucial skills events for all college football prospects every February. Getting invited to an NFL combine is a huge accomplishment because it gives someone the opportunity to show off their skills to hundreds of NFL scouts.
Multiple athletes from local division one universities were invited to the NFL combine from NC-State, Duke, and UNC-Chapel Hill.
Left-Tackle Graham Barton from Duke University has proved to the nation that he is one of the best pass and run-block left-tackles in college football.
Barton was sensational this past season with only allowing 11 quarterback pressures and earning a spot on the Phil Steele’s Publications All-American Selection.
Barton also led the Blue Devils to the fewest lost yards in the ACC this year, with only 173 given up the entire season. He is expected to be taken in day one of the NFL draft and is currently the 27th-ranked prospect in the upcoming 2024 class.
“I live by trying to enjoy the process. I try to worry about my process and chase my goals. I want to wake up every day and enjoy what I do and work as hard as I can to get drafted and play in the NFL,” said Barton via College Football Confidential.
On the other side of the ball, NC-State linebacker Payton Wilson has been dominating the middle side of the field since he entered college football in 2018.
Wilson led the ACC in total tackles this year, and for the second time in his CFB career, has earned the ACC defensive POY award. He had over 138 tackles along with 3 interceptions and two fumble recoveries.
“I wanna make every play. If we make 90 snaps, I want to make 90 tackles, and I am not coming off the field,” said Wilson via Steelers Depot.
Wilson has been flying under the radar for the past four seasons because of multiple season-ending injuries. This past season, Wilson won the Dick Butkus award (best defensive player in CFB) and was named a unanimous All-American.
After having a breakthrough season, Wilson is going to be one of the first linebackers off the board in the draft. His impact is going to translate to the next level, and he will be the heart and soul of any NFL team’s defense.
One of the most prominent draft prospects since Josh Allen has been the talk of the town since his Heisman Trophy-nominated season in 2024.
Drake Maye has been one of the most electrifying CFB players this past-season while being a dual-threat quarterback. Maye threw for over 3,600 yards and had over 30 total TDs this past season.
Maye being a former ACC player of the year and two-time finalist for the Manning award (best QB in CFB) has pushed him towards the top of the draft ranks this season.
“Playing quarterback in the NFL is a mental game. I want to show the NFL not only my competitive edge, but that I am a winner and a leader and that I am ready to take on a franchise,” said Maye via ABC 11.
All three of these stunning prospects have proven day in and day out that they belong at the next level.
We congratulate not only these three amazing players, but all North Carolina athletes who have been invited to the 2024 combine. We wish you good luck and an amazing and prosperous career.
