Pros and cons of Jaguars taking North Carolina football’s Raymond Vohasek in 2023 NFL Draft

North Carolina football’s Raymond Vohasek was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft on Saturday. 

Vohasek, who was drafted No. 227th overall, was the fourth Tar Heel to be selected over the course of the three-day event, joining Josh Downs, Asim Richards and Antoine Green.

“I’m so happy right now,” Vohasek said in a school-issued statement. 

“I wasn’t sure how the weekend would go coming off of injury, but all I needed was a shot. … I can promise the Jaguars they are going to get my all.” 

DOWNS TO INDY:Pros and cons of Colts taking North Carolina football’s Josh Downs in 2023 NFL Draft

GREEN TO DETROIT:Pros and cons of Lions taking North Carolina football’s Antoine Green in 2023 NFL Draft

RICHARDS TO DALLAS:Pros and cons of Cowboys taking North Carolina football’s Asim Richards in 2023 NFL Draft

A former JUCO player, Vohasek logged 96 tackles, including 17 tackles for loss and 5½ sacks in 41 games with the Tar Heels. 

Here’s what Vohasek brings to the NFL. 

The positives 

Described by UNC coach Mack Brown as a “tough, hard-nosed player that gives everything he’s got,” Vohasek was productive when he was on the field. In 2021, Vohasek started each of UNC’s 11 games and was an honorable mention in the all-ACC awards with a career-high 38 tackles. 

The concerns

Vohasek had trouble staying healthy at Carolina. His graduate season in 2022 was cut short due to a season-ending upper body injury. In five games, he totaled 14 tackles. The 6-foot-2, 306-pound lineman doesn’t figure to overpower opponents with his speed or power and his athletic testing numbers didn't jump off the page.

Final thoughts 

As a player that was projected to be an undrafted free agent, Vohasek has his work cut out for him if he wants to make an NFL roster. But all he needed was a chance and he'll get it now. Vohasek's relentless attitude and ability to occupy blockers could keep him around and earn him a spot on a practice squad.

Staff writer Rodd Baxley can be reached at rbaxley@fayobserver.com or @RoddBaxley on Twitter.