Notes From UNC's Pro Day

(AP Photo)

The University of North Carolina hosted NFL scouts, NFL coaches and many members of the media on Tuesday at their annual Pro Day. Two players, Dwight Jones and Ebele Okakpu, were not allowed to participate by the University. Quinton Coples and Zach Brown were the headliners but scouts were able to watch other players that could be taken in late rounds of the draft or signed as undrafted free agents.  Here are a some notes that I was able to gather from several members of the media that was attendance:

Quinton Coples Back In Carolina

Quinton Coples was in Charlotte this week to meet with the Carolina Panthers.  The Panthers have the ninth pick and  Coples is expected to be a top ten pick April's NFL draft. Coples has drawn comparisons to Julius Peppers, another former Tar Heel Defensive End who was drafted early by the Panthers. Coples  athleticism has never been in doubt, as he scored well at the combine in the 40 yard dash and other drills. Coples question, just like Peppers, is his motor and perception to take plays off. He is a high risk high reward pick that could

The "New" Rashad McCants

Rashad McCants has said he is attempting to make "the greatest NBA comeback ever".  It appears McCants is off to a good start as he has played in four of Caciques de Humacoa five games in Puerto Rico.  McCants is averaging over 20 points and five rebounds a game.  He helped his team score their first victory Saturday night with 23 points, eight rebounds and 4 steals.  Through the first part of the this season McCants has shown he still has the ability to be a solid scorer.  He also seems to have finally embraced the fans who respect and appreciate his game.  It appears he is trying to "rebrand" himself by interacting with fans, former

T.J. Yates Chats About Larry Fedora

Early this week Houston Texans backup Quarterback and former Tar Heel, T.J. Yates participated in a live chat with fans on the Houston Texans website.  I was able to ask him what he thought of new Tar Heel's head coach Larry Fedora, his response was: "I'm very excited for Coach Fedora and his coaching staff.  I've had a chance to talk to him, and he seems like a very good coach that's going to bring a lot of energy to the program.  He's bringing in a high-powered offense that's gonna give the fans something to

NFL Combine Recap

Zach Brown at the NFL Combine
(Michael Conroy/AP) 

Charles Brown (5'9" 202lbs-Cornerback):  Brown ran a 4.63 in the 40, had 18 reps of 225 lbs. and a vertical jump of 35.5".  Brown is a very physical corner despite his small frame.  He has the ability and speed to cover in man coverage at the next level.

Zach Brown (6'1" 244 lbs.-Outside Linebacker):  Zach Brown showed off his athleticism at the combine by running a 4.50 in the 40, he also had vertical jump of 33.5" and a broad jump of 116.0". Some NFL executives have concerns about Brown's work ethic.  One NFL Draft analyst has compared his linebacker instincts to former Wake Forest linebacker, Aaron Curry, saying that the comparison is not a compliment. Brown is getting a lot of attention from teams at the end of the first round and the beginning of the second, as he is not expected to go later than the early part of the second round.

Quinton Coples (6'6" 284lbs-Defensive End):  Coples ran a 4.78 in the 40 and also put up 225 pounds 25 times, showing his blend of speed and power.  The biggest question mark regarding Coples is his motor and the belief that he takes plays off.  Coples athletic ability will