Austin Proehl drafted by Buffalo Bills

Austin Proehl became the third Tar Heel to be selected in the 2018 NFL Draft when the Buffalo Bills selected him with the 255th overall selection. He is the third UNC WR in the Larry Fedora era to be drafted, joining Ryan Switzer and Super Bowl Champion Mack Hollins in last year’s draft.

The senior joins Andre Smith as a seventh round selection. Like Smith, he was expected to break out after playing in the shadows of Hollins, Switzer, and Bug Howard in previous seasons. Also like Smith, he saw his season altered with an injury when he crushed his collarbone in the fourth game of the season against Duke. Proehl, however, was able to return for the final two games of the season.

He was expected to be one of the focal point of UNC’s offense, and lived up to that billing early in the season. Against Louisville, he grabbed 8 catches for 120 yards. Despite missing half the season, he still posted 21 catches and 337 yards in six games. Those were good for fifth and second best on the 2017 Heels. Needless to say, he was missed.

Known for his precise route running, Proehl showed some surprising speed at the regional NFL combine, when he posted a low 4.4 in the 40 yard dash. The Bills have been looking to remake their offense this draft after trading away Tyrod Taylor and Sammy Watkins this offseason. They also drafted quarterback Josh Allen, offensive lineman Wyatt Teller, and fellow wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud.

Good luck to Austin as he fights for a roster spot in New York.