Insider Notes on Bill Belichick's UNC & North Carolina State: Draft grades for top prospects ft. Max Johnson, Justin Joly, and more

Despite mediocre results on the football field, the Tar Heels have been in the news often this offseason, and many believe it’s for all the wrong reasons. The spotlight has been on the new guy in charge, former Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, and his personal life rather than the Tar Heels’ product on the field.

The UNC roster does not inspire much confidence, nor does the Wolfpack depth chart. The program has consistently fought hard every Saturday, but only occasionally has a player been selected in the top 100 come April.

North Carolina

Much to the delight of the new head coach, the top prospects on the Tar Heels roster are cornerbacks. Oregon transfer Thaddeus Dixon is a big, physical corner with solid ball skills. He was rotated in the lineup at Oregon much of the past two seasons, and I am excited to see him play on a full-time basis.

Marcus Allen has next-level size and plays with an aggressive style. He flashed ability the past two years despite starting most of 2024, but he needs to improve his ball skills in man coverage.

Daniel King was graded as a draftable prospect prior to the 2024 season when he lined up at Texas State. He is a powerful, wide-bodied blocker who holds his ground and mauls opponents. King has been rated as a late-Day 3 prospect for the most part, yet the move from Sun Belt competition to the ACC offers an opportunity to improve his stock.

North Carolina Prospects
Grade	Rnd	Pos	Full Name	Yr	#
3.38	6th	CB	Thaddeus Dixon	5Sr	1
3.32	6th	CB	Marcus Allen	4Sr	29
3.29	7th	G	Daniel King	5Sr	74
3.18	FA	G	Will O'Steen	5Sr	73
3.05	FA	QB	Max Johnson	6Sr	14
3.05	FA	CB	Gavin Gibson	4Sr	5
3.03	FA	OLB	Andrew Simpson	5Sr	2
3.03	FA	WR	Kobe Paysour	5Sr	8
3.02	FA	G	Jakai Moore	7Sr	55
3.02	FA	DE	Pryce Yates	5Sr	90

North Carolina State

The Wolfpack could have an early draft prospect in tight end Justin Joly, assuming the senior elevates his game. Despite tipping the scales close to 250 pounds, Joly looks and plays like a big possession receiver. He’s agile, moves well around the field and catches the ball well. Joly has an upside, but he really needs to increase his production this season.

Defensive tackle Brandon Cleveland is a quick lineman with a nice build. He doesn’t show the power you’d expect from someone close to 320 pounds, and Cleveland is more flash in the pan than consistent force.

NC State Prospects
Grade	Rnd	Pos	Full Name	Yr	#
3.45	5th	TE	Justin Joly	4Sr	7
3.38	6th	DT	Brandon Cleveland	4Sr	44
3.22	FA	OLB	Sean Brown	5Sr	0
3.03	FA	DE	Travali Price	5Sr	13