Following the NC State football team’s 41-17 drubbing of the Vanderbilt Commodores in the Camping World Independence Bowl, many Pack players wished to continue their dreams of playing professional football.
At the end of the season, several graduating seniors had their eyes on the NFL Draft, including running back Matt Dayes, cornerback Jack Tocho and center Joe Scelfo to name a few.
Then-junior defensive end Bradley Chubb contemplated his draft stock but opted to stay in Raleigh for his senior season. However, junior safety Josh Jones decided to declare for the draft, forgoing his final year of eligibility.
Jones, Dayes and Tocho were all drafted, marking the second consecutive year at least three athletes from NC State were drafted; yet, other members of the Pack found their way onto an NFL roster as well. Here’s where some of the Pack is headed in the professional football realm:
Josh Jones: Round Two, Pick No. 61, Green Bay Packers
On day two, the Packers selected Jones, the first Wolfpacker to be drafted in the 2017 NFL Draft.
In the 2016 season, Jones led the Pack with 109 tackles and three interceptions. The junior defensive back had a nose for the pigskin, laying punishing hits left and right.
At the NFL combine, Jones shined in nearly all of the events. His 40-yard dash time of 4.41 seconds was good for second-best among safeties, his 20 bench reps tied for first and his marks in the broad and vertical jump placed second and third, respectively.
Despite his pure athleticism, Jones has struggled at times on the field. His hard-hitting style sometimes causes him to miss tackles in the open field and he often loses wide receivers in zone coverage.
Jones obviously has all the tools to be a successful NFL safety. With the right coaching staff around him and a couple of years to develop, the Pack product should start for Green Bay. In his rookie season, expect Jones to be a hefty contributor on special teams.
Jack Tocho: Round Seven, Pick No. 245, Minnesota Vikings
On the final day of the NFL Draft, the Vikings selected the second NC State defensive back to be drafted in Tocho.
In his senior year, Tocho rebounded from an injury-riddled junior campaign, tallying 37 tackles, nine pass breakups and two interceptions.
The Charlotte native is most known for his play in the 24-17 loss to No. 1 Clemson in Death Valley. During the matchup, Tocho allowed 10 receptions on throws into his coverage, six to standout receiver Mike Williams; however, following the defeat, Tocho allowed just 10 receptions over the next seven games combined, a remarkable feat to say the least.
Tocho has great closing speed in coverage, reads plays well and has the size to play cornerback in the NFL. However, Tocho is prone to giving up a big play from time to time, and he must sharpen his run stopping to become a starter for Minnesota in the future.
Matt Dayes: Round Seven, Pick No. 252, Cleveland Browns
The Browns selected Dayes on day three with the next-to-last pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.
The Fort Lauderdale, Florida native carried the load for the Pack in 2016 as he ran for 1,166 yards, averaged 4.7 yards per carry, tallied 10 touchdowns and hauled in 271 receiving yards. He also received second-team All-ACC honors in his best season with the Wolfpack.
Dayes boasts impressive ball-carrier vision, showing patience running through holes in the offensive line. He also keeps his legs churning through contact and is a reliable receiving option out of the backfield.
According to draft experts at NFL.com, Dayes unfortunately lacks the size to be an every-down back in the league. While he’s posted 40 times as low as 4.56, he is viewed as too slow for his 5-foot-9-inch stature.
In Cleveland, the running back position is virtually wide open. Dayes will likely compete with former ACC workhorse Duke Johnson Jr. for the back-up job behind starter Isaiah Crowell. Expect Dayes to make the 53-man roster and receive limited playing time in a supporting role.
Bra’Lon Cherry: Undrafted, Tennessee Titans
Cherry was on the verge of being drafted on day three, but found his way to Tennessee following the draft.
Cherry notched 434 yards on 30 receptions for three touchdowns in his senior year with State. He recorded a season-high 105 yards in a loss to Boston College, including a 79-yard catch-and-run touchdown.
Cherry started outside with redshirt junior Stephen Louis last year, but was often moved inside to the slot position. Cherry’s speed could be utilized on a Titan roster needing receivers; therefore, Cherry can compete for the final 53-man roster.
Joe Scelfo: Undrafted, Houston Texans
Scelfo, an undersized body at the center position, was signed as an undrafted free agent to the Texans on April 29.
Scelfo has great balance at center and is agile enough to block at the second level. Yet, at 6 feet, 1 inch tall, he is behind the curve in measurables.
Houston needs help on the line; so Scelfo’s chances of making the roster are higher than most think. It will be an uphill battle for him, but Scelfo will be in the thick of things when the preseason begins.
Dravious Wright: Undrafted, Los Angeles Rams
Wright was picked up after the draft from the Rams as a defensive back.
Wright was the most experienced member of the Pack, having started more career games than any other returning player entering his senior year.
He saw most action at the nickel corner position, notching 64 tackles and four forced fumbles on the year.
The Vero Beach, Florida native will be challenged to make the final roster in Los Angeles.
