Pros and cons of Lions taking North Carolina football’s Antoine Green in 2023 NFL Draft
Rodd Baxley
North Carolina football’s Antoine Green was selected by the Detroit Lions in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft on Saturday.
Green was drafted No. 219 overall. The wide receiver was an All-ACC selection in his fifth and final season with the Tar Heels. He made eight starts in nine games, leading UNC with an average of 18.56 yards per reception.
Green was second on the team in receptions (43), yards receiving (798), receiving touchdowns (7) and receiving yards per game (88.67).
The Tar Heels had two receivers selected in the 2021 draft. Here’s what Green brings to the NFL.
The positives
The 6-foot-2, 200-pound wideout made his mark in 2022 as a vertical threat. He could bring the same deep-ball success to the next level after averaging nearly 19 yards per catch in his final year with the Tar Heels.
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Green had three catches for 150 yards against Notre Dame in his first game of the 2022 season. He showed off his speed with an 80-yard touchdown against the Irish and displayed his toe-tapping ability in a win at Duke. Against the Blue Devils, Green had four catches for 112 yards, including the go-ahead touchdown in the final seconds.
The concerns
Even with his success and intrigue as a player capable of getting behind coverages, Green has been limited in short and intermediate routes. He also dealt with some injuries during his time in Chapel Hill. Green had a season-ending leg injury in his freshman season and missed three games with a collarbone injury to start the 2022 season.
Final thoughts
Because of his combination of size, speed and explosiveness on the outside, Green will have a chance to earn a roster spot. His big-play ability will be enticing.
Staff writer Rodd Baxley can be reached at rbaxley@fayobserver.com or @RoddBaxley on Twitter.