The Detroit Lions signed Malik Carney

UNC only had one player selected in the 2019 NFL Draft, but didn't have to wait long after for a second alumnus to be called up to the pros. Defensive end/outside linebacker Malik Carney was picked up by the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent soon after the draft was over, according to Ian Rapoport:

Carney plays a premium position as an edge rusher, so it's not surprising he was a hot commodity after the draft.

We profiled Carney this past week on our website, but the long and short of it is that he’s a surprisingly strong player for his size, able to set the edge repeatedly on run plays, make the right reads and pursue on read-option plays, and while he’s not the best pass rusher (which has led to his fall to this point), he has an array of moves and posted decent production while he was a Tar Heel: 17 sacks in 2 ²⁄₃ years. His senior year boosted his stock, as he put up 6 sacks in just 8 games and generally played with his hair on fire after coming back from a suspension for selling shoes.

Carney was an excellent Heel for 4 seasons, growing each year he played, and in the right positions, he was going to make an NFL team happy with his leadership, run defense, and football intelligence. The Ys are going to find this out this summer and fall, and we wish Malik the best of luck as his professional journey begins.