2011 NFL Draft Prospects: Robert Quinn And Bruce Carter Lead Bevy Of UNC Draft Prospects

There will be no shortage of possible future NFL players wearing Carolina blue in Thursday night's Music City Bowl, and leading the way is 6'5" 250 lb Robert Quinn, who is projected by SB Nation's Mocking the Draft to go as high as ninth overall pick in the first round. But the explosive play making skills on the North Carolina defense do not end with Quinn, senior linebacker Bruce Carter is projected to go early in the second round and senior defensive tackle Marvin Austin is rated as the third best at his position by CBS sports and is slated to go not later than the second round himself.

The Tarheel defense all together has seven players who could end up being selected in this spring's draft, and the going up against Tennessee's offense should be an excellent opportunity to demonstrate their speed and skills. Free safety Deunta Williams was named first team All ACC and will likely be picked up in the third round. Linebacker Quan Sturdivant was named first team All ACC in 2009 and is also a likely third round pick up. Defensive end Quinton Coples, should he decide to jump early for the draft, would be a fourth round pick, and corner back Kendric Burney, yet another All ACC player, will likely be a late round draft pick.

On offense as well, North Carolina has some draftable players looking to improve their chances with scouts. Wide receiver Greg Little has been productive for the Tar Heels this year and could be a third or fourth round pick, while team mate Zach Pinalto could be picked up in the later rounds.