Pro Football Focus shared its final running back rankings update on Monday ahead of next week’s NFL Draft, with UNC teammates Javonte Williams and Michael Carter each among the top four.

PFF ranked Williams as the No. 1 player in this class at the position, while Carter checked in just behind at No. 4 on the list. Alabama’s Najee Harris and Clemson’s Travis Etienne were ranked No. 2 and No. 3, respectively.

This past season saw UNC’s dynamic duo break onto the national scene with eye-popping numbers made even more impressive by the fact that they split carries.

Williams carried the ball 157 times for 1,140 yards and 19 touchdowns while also catching 25 passes for 305 yards and three more scores — setting a new UNC single-season record with 22 total touchdowns. He also led the country by forcing 76 missed tackles, five ahead of Alabama’s Harris despite having 95 fewer carries.

Carter, meanwhile, led the ACC in rushing as UNC’s backup — gaining 1,245 yards on just 156 carries. In the passing game, the Florida native hauled in 25 catches for 267 yards and two more touchdowns.

There is a possibility that Williams could sneak into the first round of the draft with this ranking, but it’s widely expected that both Williams and Carter will be selected at some point within the first three rounds.

The first round of the draft will take place on Thursday, April 29. Both the second and third rounds are set for Friday, April 30, with the final four rounds happening on Saturday, May 1.

 

Photo via ACC Media

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