Tar Heels NFL Draft profile: Caleb Peterson

Caleb Peterson began his senior season at North Carolina as a member of one of the most experienced UNC offensive lines in years, and ended it—as too many others on that line did—prematurely. After only five games into a senior year in which he was hoping to improve on his top-10-at-his-position estimate coming into the year, Peterson suffered a back injury that ended his career as a Tar Heel.

Most evaluations of Peterson conclude that he fits best in a zone blocking scheme. His is viewed as a sound, aggressive player who needed to add some strength as a pro, but a back injury came at the worst possible time for a talented guard looking to strengthen his draft stock.

The six-foot-five, 300-pound guard is tentatively projected as a fourth-round pick or later, depending on his health. How the NFL assesses his back injury could determine the difference between a mid-to-late round draft pick and an undrafted free agent. In the right situation with the right team, a healthy Peterson has a realistic shot at developing into a legitimate NFL player.

Please enjoy some highlights from Peterson’s time at UNC: