2021 NFL Draft: Top prospects to watch for each ACC team
By Kyle Edmond
North Carolina – Dazz Newsome, Wide Receiver, Senior
The Tar Heels have a solid one-two punch at the wide receiver position with two guys who are fairly close statistically. However, Dazz Newsome is the older of the pair and the one that will most likely declare for the draft first.
After being a 2019 second-team All-ACC selection, Newsome has already been added to the 2020 Biletnikoff Award watch list, and for good reason. Leading the team with 72 receptions, Newsome concluded the season with the second-most receiving yards on the team with 1,018 while also finding the end zone on 10 occasions, also the second-most on the team.
However, the stat that might be the most important is one that often isn’t looked at. Of Newsome’s 72 catches, 50 of them resulted in a first down, accounting for over 69% of his catches. Being able to be that reliable to get past the first down markers is a rare trait and one that will set him apart in the class.
Newsome will also have last season’s chemistry to build on with quarterback Sam Howell. Just a true freshman last year, Howell was impressive and now has built up a repertoire with both of his top receivers that should only enhance the North Carolina offense.