This unlucky North Carolina Tar Heels star was able to find an NFL home.
The North Carolina Tar Heels did not have a single player selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, marking the first time that has happened in a decade.
Considering that North Carolina went just 4-8 this past season and suffered a handful of blowout losses, it should not come as too much of a surprise.
But there is one Tar Heels player who may have been drafted had it not been for a midseason upper body injury that derailed his 2025 campaign: cornerback Thaddeus Dixon.
Dixon was limited to just seven games this past year, finishing with 19 tackles and six passes defended during his time on the field.
Prior to the injury, there were many who had Dixon pegged as a Day 3 pick, and some even felt he could represent an NFL Draft sleeper.
Nevertheless, Dixon fell out of the draft entirely (talk about bad luck), but he did find an NFL home: the New York Giants.
The Giants were in need of cornerback help, even after selecting Tennessee standout Colton Hood in the second round of the draft. So their decision to add Dixon as an undrafted free agent is not shocking.
Thaddeus Dixon. Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images.Dixon also clearly has the talent to earn himself a spot on an NFL roster.
The 24-year-old began his collegiate career at Long Beach City College in 2021 and spent two years there before transferring to Washington in 2023.
During his two season with the Huskies, Dixon established himself as a key member of the secondary.
In 2023, he logged 26 tackles, an interception and six passes defended, helping Washington reach the National Championship Game. Then, in 2024, Dixon registered 43 tackles, a pick and 10 passes defended.
The 6-foot-1, 195-pound defensive back boasts impressive size for the position, and while he lacks top-end speed, he is a well-rounded cornerback who could ultimately carve out a niche for the Giants ... or another NFL team.
New York lost Cor'Dale Flott in free agency and replaced him with Greg Newsome II, who has struggled in recent years. The Giants signed Paulson Adebo last March, but he had a disappointing debut campaign in the Big Apple.
When you consider all of the factors, Dixon might actually have a chance to make New York's roster in 2026. If not, perhaps another squad will give him a shot.
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