Which states produce the most NFL talent? See where North and South Carolina rank
In 2014, Jadeveon Clowney, a University of South Carolina defensive end who grew up in Rock Hill, walked across the stage at Radio City Music Hall in New York City as the first pick in the NFL draft.
A year later, the then St. Louis Rams used the 10th overall pick to select University of Georgia running back Todd Gurley, who played high school football in Tarboro, N.C..
And last year, Charlotte native and former N.C. State Wolfpack offensive lineman Ikem Ekwonu went sixth overall to the Carolina Panthers.
Clowney, Gurley and Ekwonu are three of the more than 200 players picked in the NFL draft since 2010 who grew up playing football in the Carolinas.
With 123 players, North Carolina tied Louisiana for the sixth most of any state. South Carolina ranked 13th with 78 players.
Charlotte led all cities in the Carolinas with 17 players taken. Two first-round picks from Charlotte went in last year’s draft: Ekwonu and former University of Georgia defensive tackle Jordan Davis, who was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles at No. 13.
Of North Carolina’s 15 first-round picks, six were from Charlotte.
This story was originally published April 27, 2023 at 5:30 AM.
