The history of first round NFL Draft picks from North Carolina

North Carolina has a track record of producing talented football players who are good enough to make it to the National Football League. 54 players from the Tar Heel state have been viewed as big enough prospects to be selected in the first round of the NFL Draft. This is our list of all of them.

Richlands High School alum Mario Williams is the only player in the history of the state to be taken with the No. 1 overall pick, but two other former North Carolina high school football players have been taken with the No. 2 overall pick: Roman Gabriel from New Hanover High School and Julius Peppers from Southern Nash High School.

These football players from North Carolina are signed to NFL rosters

1945 — Elmer Barbour (No. 10 overall, New York Giants)

• Born in Rocky Mount, Wesley Elmer Barbour II was a 6-foot-1 linebacker who went to Durham High School and Wake Forest University, where he became a Hall of Fame member. He went on to play three games for the Giants and recorded a fumble recovery.

1962 — Roman Gabriel (No. 2 overall, Los Angeles Rams)

• The Wilmington native attended New Hanover High School and was a star for the NC State Wolfpack in college. He went on to have an illustrious NFL career, playing 16 seasons (11 with the Rams, 5 with the Eagles). He threw for 29,444 yards and 201 touchdowns over his career.

1964 — Carl Eller (No. 6 overall, Minnesota Vikings)

• The 6-foot-6, 247-pound defensive end from Winston-Salem was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2004 after his 225-game career resulted in an unofficial 133.5 sacks. The Atkins High School alum spent 15 years with the Vikings and one additional season with the Seahawks.

1965 — Bob Matheson (No. 18 overall, Cleveland Browns)

• A graduate of Appalachian High School in Boone, Matheson played his college ball at Duke University. The 6-foot-4 middle linebacker went on to play 180 games in the NFL with the Browns and Dolphins.

1968 — Dennis Byrd (No. 6 overall, Boston Patriots)

• Byrd, a 6-foot-4, 260-pound defensive end graduated from Lincolnton High School. He went on to play in 14 career games and registered 3.5 career sacks.

1970 — Doug Wilkerson (No. 14 overall, Houston Oilers)

• A former NC Central player, Wilkerson grew up in Fayetteville and attended E.E. Smith High School. He started in 195 career games as a left guard in the NFL, mostly with the San Diego Chargers.

1974 — Charley Young (No. 22 overall, Dallas Cowboys)

• Raleigh native Charley Young played his high school ball at Enloe High School and college ball at NC State University. The running back played in 37 career games and compiled 638 rushing yards and two touchdowns.

1977 — Marvin Powell (No. 4 overall, New York Jets)

• Seventy-First High School alum Marvin Powell was a 6-foot-5 offensive tackle who played his college ball at USC. He played for 11 seasons and started 130 games. He made five Pro Bowl teams and four All-Pro Teams.

1979 — Ted Brown (No. 16 overall, Minnesota Vikings)

• Thomas Edward Brown was born in High Point and attended T.W. Andrews High School. Brown played his college ball for the NC State Wolfpack. He spent his entire eight-year NFL career with the Vikings and rushed for 4,546 career yards and scored 53 career touchdowns.

1981 — Donnell Thompson (No. 18 overall, Baltimore Colts)

• A 6-foot-4, 270-pound defensive end, Thompson is one of three former Lumberton High School players to be drafted in the first round. The UNC alum went on to play in 147 career NFL games, all with the Baltimore/Indianapolis Colts, and was credited with 41 total sacks.

1982 — Perry Tuttle (No. 19 overall, Buffalo Bills)

• Tuttle was a 6-foot, 180-pound wide receiver from North Davidson High School. He played his college ball at Clemson and stuck in the NFL for 24 career games. He had 25 receptions for 375 yards and three touchdowns.

1982 — Mike Quick (No. 20 overall, Philadelphia Eagles)

• The Richmond Senior High School alum lived up to his last name at his wide receiver position. Quick spent his entire nine-year career with the Eagles and accumulated 363 receptions for 6,464 yards and 61 touchdowns. He's since become a legendary radio broadcaster for the Eagles.

1985 — Ethan Horton (No. 15 overall, Kansas City Chiefs)

• Horton was a 6-foot-4, 235-pound tight end who played his college ball in Chapel Hill after standing out at A.L. Brown High School in Kannapolis. He went on to play 116 career games in the NFL and caught 212 career passes for 2,360 yards and 17 touchdowns.

1987 — Haywood Jeffires (No. 20 overall, Houston Oilers)

• A Page High School graduate, Jeffires played for the NC State Wolfpack before being drafted by the Oilers in 1987. He played 132 games during his NFL career, catching 535 passes for 6,334 yards and 50 touchdowns.

1989 — Tim Worley (No. 7 overall, Pittsburgh Steelers)

• Worley, from Lumberton High School, attended the University of Georgia before being taken in the top ten in the 1989 drive. The 6-foot-2, 228-pound running back played in 28 career games and rushed for 1,792 yards and eight touchdowns.

1989 — Donnell Woolford (No. 11 overall, Chicago Bears)

• The Douglas Byrd High School alum moved to North Carolina after originally being born in Maryland. A 5-foot-9 defensive back, Woolford had a productive NFL career with 36 interceptions over 126 career games. He played in nine seasons, eight with the Bears and one with the Steelers.

1990 — Ray Agnew (No. 10 overall, New England Patriots)

• Raymond Agnew Jr. was born in Winston-Salem and played at Carver High School. The 6-foot-3, 285-pound defensive tackle went on to play 157 career games in the NFL, compiling 381 solo tackles, 22.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles with the Patriots, Giants, and Rams.

1990 — Anthony Smith (No. 11 overall, Los Angeles Raiders)

• The Elizabeth City native is the only player to be drafted out of Northeastern High School. He had a very good NFL career, playing in 98 career games and compiling 190 solo tackles, 57.5 sacks, and 11 forced fumbles.

1991 — Eric Swann (No. 6 overall, Phoenix Cardinals)

• Swann is the only player from Western Harnett High School to ever make it to the NFL. The 6-foot-5, 307-pound defensive tackle attended Wake Technical Community Collegeand played semipro ball after he didn't academically qualify to get into NC State. In the NFL, he played with the Cardinals for nine seasons and then for the Panthers for his final season in 2000. Swann had a strong career, producing 463 total tackles and 46.5 sacks.

1992 — Ray Roberts (No. 10 overall, Seattle Seahawks)

• A 6-foot-6, 315-pound offensive tackle, Richard Ray Roberts Jr. played at Asheville High School and attended the University of Virginia. The top ten pick proceeded to start 116 games during his NFL career. He spent four years with the Seahawks and five years with the Lions.

1992 — Chester McGlockton (No. 16 overall, Los Angeles Raiders)

• McGlockton was a 6-foot-3, 335-pound defensive lineman from Whiteville High School. He played at Clemson in college. He played in 179 career games over 12 years and made four Pro Bowls and three All-Pro teams. He compiled 484 solo tackles and 51 sacks in his career.

1993 — Thomas Smith (No. 28 overall, Buffalo Bills)

• Gates County High School alum Thomas Lee Smith Jr. was a 5-foot-11, 188-pound defensive back who went on to play for 137 career games in the NFL, mostly with the Bills.

1994 — Heath Shuler (No. 3 overall, Washington Redskins)

• Joseph Heath Shuler is still the only Swain County High School player to be drafted into the NFL. The No. 3 overall pick's career was a struggle as he completed just 49.2% of his career passes for 3,691 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 33 interceptions.

1994 — Dewayne Washington (No. 18 overall, Minnesota Vikings)

• The Northern High School alum is a Durham native and played his college ball at NC State. Washington played in 191 career games, recording 31 interceptions and five return touchdowns. After retirement, Washington became the head coach at Heritage High School in Wake Forest, where he led the Huskies to a 28-12 record over three seasons.

Our Lens on Dewayne Washington

1996 — Marcus Jones (No. 22 overall, Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

• A Southwest Onslow High School alum, Jones was a 6-foot-6, 285-pound defensive lineman. He played at UNC. In the NFL, Jones played for 85 total games, all with the Buccaneers. He finsihed his career with 124 total tacjles and 24 sacks.

1996 — Jamain Stephens (No. 29 overall, Pittsburgh Steelers)

• A huge 6-foot-6, 336-pound offensive tackle from Lumberton High School, Stephens was drafted in the first round out of North Carolina A&T University. He played for 40 career games and started in 15.

1998 — Greg Ellis (No. 8 overall, Dallas Cowboys)

• The only alum of East Wake High School to be drafted into the NFL, Ellis was a 6-foot-6, 265-pound defensive end who attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Ellis played in 176 career games, compiled 400 solo tackles, and was credited with 84 career sacks. He made the 2007 Pro Bowl as a 32-yeard old when he had 12.5 sacks for the Cowboys.

1998 — Brian Simmons (No. 17 overall, Cincinnati Bengals)

• Simmons went on to play in the NFL for 10 seasons, nine with the Bengals and one with the Saints. The New Bern High School alum compiled 529 solo tackles, 24 sacks, and 13 forced fumbles from his linebacker position.

1998 — Mo Collins (No. 23 overall, Oakland Raiders)

• Damon Jamal Collins was a 6-foot-4, 325-pound versatile offensive lineman from West Charlotte High School. He went on to start 64 career games, all with the Raiders.

1998 — John Avery (No. 29 overall, Miami Dolphins)

• Born in Virginia, Avery eventually graduated from Asheville High School. He ended up playing for Ole Miss in college and worked his way into a first round selection. He rushed for 524 yards and two touchdowns in a three-year NFL career.

1999 — Dimitrius Underwood (No. 29 overall, Minnesota Vikings)

• Underwood, a Philadelphia native who moved to Fayetteville graduated from E.E. Smith High School, played his college ball at Michigan State. He was waived by the Vikings 12 days after signing his initial contract, but eventually was signed by the Cowboys and played in 19 career games.

2001 — Koren Robinson (No. 9 overall, Seattle Seahawks)

• A former NC State and South Point High School player, Robinson was taken with the ninth pick and went on to play in 96 career games in the NFL, catching 294 passes for 4,244 yards and 16 touchdowns. He made a Pro Bowl with the Vikings in 2005.

2002 — Julius Peppers (No. 2 overall, Carolina Panthers)

• Peppers, a Southern Nash High School graduate, is considered one of the greatest athletes ever to come out of North Carolina. He played his college ball in Chapel Hill and stayed in the state when the Panthers took him No. 2 overall. Peppers compiled 159.5 career sacks and 52 forced fumbles over 266 career games. He will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2024.

2006 — Mario Williams (No. 1 overall, Houston Texans)

• A native of Richlands and a graduate of Richlands High School, Williams was a star at NC State University and earned the No. 1 overall draft selection in 2006. He is the only player in state history to go No. 1 overall. Williams proceeded to play in 158 career games and racked up 97.5 sacks and 16 forced fumbles. He made four Pro Bowls and three All-Pro teams.

2006 — Manny Lawson (No. 22 overall, San Francisco 49ers)

• The only Eastern Wayne High School alum to be drafted in the NFL Draft, Lawson played his college ball at NC State High School. Lawson proved to be a strong pick for the 49ers as he played in 143 career games and compiled 352 solo tackles to go with 24.5 sacks.

2008 — Kentwan Balmer (No. 29 overall, San Francisco 49ers)

• A 6-foot-5, 300-pound defensive tackle, Balmer is a native of Ahoskie and attended Weldon High School. He went on to play his college ball in Chapel Hill. He played in the NFL for four seasons and tallied 62 career tackles.

2009 — Aaron Curry (No. 4 overall, Seattle Seahawks)

• The E.E. Smith High School alum was a star at Wake Forest University and earned a top five selection in the 2009 draft. He played in 48 career games over five years and recorded 203 total tackles and 5.5 sacks. He became a talented coach and is now in charge of linebackers with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

2009 — Hakeem Nicks (No. 29 overall, New York Giants)

• The 6-foot, 210-pound receiver was a star at NC State University after he graduated form Independence High School in Charlotte. Nicks spent seven years in the NFL and had some very productive 1,000-yard seasons. He finished his NFL career with 356 receptions for 5,081 yards and 31 touchdowns.

2012 — Quinton Coples (No. 16 overal, New York Jets)

• Coples was a huge 6-foot-6, 285-pound defensive end out of Kinston High School and UNC. He played in 62 career games and compiled 16.5 career sacks.

2012 — Melvin Ingram (No. 18 overall, San Diego Chargers)

• A hectic defensive end, Ingram is a native of Hamlet and attended Richmond Senior High School in Rockingham. After starring at the University of South Carolina, Ingram was drafted by the Chargers in the first round. As of the end of the 2023 season, Ingram has played in 148 career games and accumulated 58.5 career sacks.

2013 — Jonathan Cooper (No. 7 overall, Arizona Cardinals)

• The Hoggard High School alum was born and raised in Wilmington and went to college at the University of North Carolina. After being selected in the top ten, Cooper started in 31 career games over five seasons.

2014 — Eric Ebron (No. 10 overall, Detroit Lions)

• The former Ben L. Smith High School and UNC standout is one of the handful of tight ends that have ever been drafted in the top ten. He played in 106 career games, catching 351 passes for 3,837 yards and 33 touchdowns.

2015 — Todd Gurley (No. 10 overall, St. Louis Rams)

• A 6-foot-1, 225-pound rusher, Gurley had exceptional speed for his size. For a period of time, the former Georgia Bulldog was the best running back in the NFL. The Tarboro High School alum finished his career with 8,336 yards from scrimmage and 79 total touchdowns.

2015 — D.J. Humphries (No. 24 overall, Arizona Cardinals)

• The Mallard Creek High School alum is a 6-foot-5, 307-pound left tackle who has started in 98 career games with the Cardinals and made the 2021 Pro Bowl.

2015 — Stephone Anthony (No. 31 overall, New Orleans Saints)

• A former Anson High School standout, Anthony played his college ball at Clemson University. He played for five seasons in the NFL, compiling 152 total tackles and nine tackles for a loss.

2017 — Dexter Lawrence (No. 17 overall, New York Giants)

• The 6-foot-4, 340-pound defensive tackle from Wake Forest High School and Clemson University has been more than worth is first round selection for the Giants. He has made 148 solo tackles, two All-Pro teams, and two Pro Bowls.

2018 — Jaire Alexander (No. 18 overall, Green Bay Packers)

• The only alum of Rocky River High School to be drafted into the NFL, the former Louisville standout has been one of the best coverage corners in the NFL sinc he entered the league. He has made two All-Pro teams and two Pro Bowls.

2018 — Mike Hughes (No. 30 overall, Minnesota Vikings)

• New Bern High School alum Mike Hughes has been a productive player in the NFL as a movable defensive back. Through six seasons so far, Hughes has played in 72 career games, racking up 200 total tackles, seven forced fumbles, and three interceptions.

2019 — Daniel Jones (No. 6 overall, New York Giants)

• The Duke University and Charlotte Latin alum was taken in the top ten thanks to his 6-foot-5, 230-pound frame and strong arm. He has battled injuries in his career but still earned a $40 million/year contract extension with the Giants.

2019 — Garrett Bradbury (No. 18 overall, Minnesota Vikings)

• Bradbury, from Charlotte Christian and NC State University, has started in 71 games at center for the Vikings.

2021 — Caleb Farley (No. 22 overall, Tennessee Titans)

• A 6-foot-2, 197-pound corner, the Maiden High School alum stood out at Virginia Tech but has struggled with injuries to begin his NFL career.

2022 — Ikem Ekwonu (No. 6 overall, Carolina Panthers)

• The Providence Day alum is a 6-foot-4, 320-pound left tackle. He has started all 34 games of his career with the Panthers.

2022 — Jordan Davis (No. 13 overall, Philadelphia Eagles)

• Davis is a gigantic 6-foot-6, 340-pound defensive tackle from Mallard Creek High School and the University of Georgia. He has 26 solo tackles through 30 career games.

2024 — Drake Maye (No. 3 overall, New England Patriots)

• Maye, a Myers Park High School alum, was selected by the Patriots to recharge their franchise after he threw for 8,018 yards, 63 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions in his short career at UNC-Chapel Hill.