The Belk Bowl featured the North Carolina Tar-Heels and the Cincinnati Bearcats. The Tar-Heels dominated the game from beginning to end on both sides of the ball. A game that finished in a 39-17 rout, giving the Tar-Heels their seventh win of the season.
As far as NFL Draft prospects go, it was all one side as North Carolina had a few prospects to keep an eye on. Unfortunately, one of them went down with a devastating injury during the first quarter.
Eric Ebron, TE, North Carolina
Ebron came in as the No. 1 ranked tight-end and did his part in showing why that is the case during this game. Ebron finished the game with 7 receptions for 78 yards.
What I liked:
Showed great athleticism hurdling a linebacker while running at an angle. Looks a lot like Jordan Reed/Aaron Hernandez.
Good run blocker, picked up a couple pancake blocks and pushed out end to create running lane.
Lined up in slot, TE Position and out wide.
Showed strong hands when he had to go above his head to bring in a couple passes.
What I didn't like:
Dropped an over the shoulder touchdown pass after running solid route.
Dropped a pass that hit his hands after some hand fighting with cornerback. (possible pass interference)
Leaves feet too often and risks taking big shots, happened once in this game.
Got stood up high on a few blocks but was able to keep his position.
Stock Report: Neutral
Ebron played well but he can't really go up any higher than where he is currently sitting.
Draft Day Projection: First round
Ebron is an athletic tight-end who lined up all over the field and presents all sorts of mismatches for opposing defenses.
Kareem Martin, DE, North Carolina
Finishing this season with 21.5 tackles for loss to go along with 11.5 sacks, it’s no secret that Martin likes to play in the offensive backfield.
What I liked:
Made athletic move to get by running back to pick up a half sack.
Quick spin move on O-lineman to get hit on QB.
Blew up double team to split through and sack QB for safety. Used left arm to punch away tackle and lowered shoulder to go through guard.
At 6’6” 265lbs. Martin isn’t an overly big guy but has very long arms and showed deceptive strength on strong bulrush and power moves throughout game.
Lined up at both ends.
What I didn't like:
Stood up to straight when came to one-on-one tackle opportunity with running back and was easily juked.
Opens up running lanes sometimes by coming up field so quickly. Similar to Dwight Freeney, but that his is job on this team and he is good at it, just a note.
Stock Report: Up
The performance in this game should help his overall stock, but where the real opportunities lie are going to be during one-on-one workouts before the NFL draft.
Draft Day Projection: Second-Third round
Martin will be a welcome addition to any defensive line in need of a pass-rusher. Could be a great second round pick for a team that decides to draft a different position in the first round.
Quick Notes:
North Carolina OL James Hurst was the No. 10 overall OL in the draft and No. 88 overall but unfortunately he went down with a gruesome injury in the first quarter. Hurst suffered a broken left leg after getting rolled up on. This severely hurts his value but should still get a chance from NFL team at some point. North Carolina S Tre Boston is projected to go during the last two rounds but is a sure tackler who can play either cornerback spot or safety. Boston had a decent showing in the bowl but didn't do enough to earn a spot with the "Big Names."