Tar Heels QB Mitch Trubisky picked 2nd overall in 2017 NFL Draft

Chris Baird, Triangle Sports Network

PHILADELPHIA, PA.– University of North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Mitch Trubisky was selected second overall by the Chicago Bears in the 2017 NFL Draft on Thursday.

Trubisky is the Tar Heels’ highest draft pick since Julius Peppers was taken No. 2 in 2002, the 24th first round NFL Draft pick in UNC history, the eighth since 2008, and the fourth under head coach Larry Fedora.

“It was an incredible moment when the commissioner went to the stage and called my name,” Trubisky said.

“I can’t wait to get started. It means a lot to start my NFL career in Chicago. My favorite player growing up was Walter Payton. I’m looking forward to wearing that jersey.  The city of Chicago is my home now.”

The most accurate passer in UNC history, Trubisky played in more than 30 games and started 13 as a redshirt junior in 2016.

He set more than 20 single-season school records, including total offense (4,056), passing yards (3,748) and passing touchdowns (30) while leading the Tar Heels to an 8-5 record and a berth in the Sun Bowl against Stanford.

“I’m thrilled for Mitch and his family,” Fedora said.

“Chicago is getting a tremendous person who is obviously a talented quarterback. He’s the total package. He did everything we ever asked of him and worked tremendously hard to put himself in this position. He’ll work extremely hard in Chicago to become the best he can be.”

Where the Tar Heels stand

North Carolina has now produced eight first-round draft picks since 2008.

That is the third highest total of any ACC school.

Florida State and Clemson rank first with nine.

The only other in-state schools with a first-round draft pick since 2008 are Duke (1), Wake Forest (1) and ECU (1).

Carolina’s 24 all-time first-round draft picks is the most of any school in the state, ahead of N.C. State (15), Duke (6), and Wake Forest (5).

ACC – Most First-Round NFL Draft picks since 2008

9 – Clemson – 2010, 2013, 2014, 2015 (3), 2016, 2017 (2)
9 – Florida State – 2010, 2011, 2013 (3), 2014, 2015 (2), 2016
8 – Carolina – 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013 (2), 2014, 2017
6 – Louisville – 2009, 2014 (3), 2015, 2016
5 – Boston College – 2008 (2), 2009, 2011, 2012
5 – Miami – 2008, 2015 (2), 2016, 2017
4 – Notre Dame – 2012 (2), 2013, 2014
3 – Pittsburgh – 2008, 2011, 2014
3 – Virginia – 2008 (2), 2009
3 – Virginia Tech – 2008, 2012, 2014
2 – Georgia Tech – 2010 (2)
2 – Syracuse – 2012, 2013
2 – Wake Forest – 2009, 2015
1 – Duke – 2015
1 – Maryland – 2009
0 – N.C. State