Packed House Sports | April 14, 2025
North Carolina has wrapped its 15th and final spring practice, and with it, we got a closer look at what the Tar Heels may bring to the table in the 2025 ACC season. In our latest Packed House Sports conversation, I chatted with Tar Heels to break down what we observed—and what we believe Bill Belichick is building in Chapel Hill.
From quarterback play to trench battles on both sides of the ball, it’s clear this team has pieces to compete. But whether those pieces can come together in time for the grind of the ACC is still a big question. Here’s our deep dive into where Carolina stands heading into summer.
Quarterback Battle: Browne Leads, But It’s Not Over
The quarterback competition between Ryan Browne and Bryce Baker is very much alive, though Browne holds the edge—for now. He looks more confident in the offense, making faster decisions and handling movement within the pocket better. That said, he made some head-scratching throws, including three that could’ve gone the other way. One of them even prompted a visible reaction from Belichick on the sideline.
Baker, meanwhile, had a slower internal clock and held onto the ball too long in key situations—but he also made a couple of the most impressive throws of the scrimmage. His arm talent is obvious, and he showed some growth as the day went on. He needs to develop trust with his receivers, as they improve on getting separation and to the spots he wants to lead them to. The smart money is on Browne to start the year, but don’t be surprised if Baker gets increasing opportunities as the season unfolds, especially around the bye weeks. Unless…
Verdict: Browne leads, but this job isn’t locked up. Neither quarterback looks like a sure bet to carry this team to 8–9 wins just yet. What would I do? Go get Nico Iamaleava.
Offensive Line: Interior Shows Promise, Tackle Still a Concern
One of the biggest takeaways was how solid UNC’s interior offensive line looked in the run game. Whether running inside or outside zone, they consistently pushed the defensive front back and created clear lanes for backs to work. Not sure if that says more about the offense or defense though. Christo Kelly getting significant work at center was one of the surprises, especially with expectations that Austin Blaske would be the anchor. The smarts of the staff may be trying to find the best overall combination by shifting pieces around.
Tackle is another story. Trevyon Green has improved after slimming down, but overall, the tackle play raised concerns—especially in pass protection. If a solid, experienced tackle hits the portal, UNC would be wise to pursue aggressively. That position could be the swing factor for the offense this year.
Verdict: Solid inside, shaky outside. The Heels need better tackle play to protect whoever ends up under center.
Defensive Front: Good on the Edges, Soft Up the Middle
On the defensive side, the edges looked sharp. Beau Atkinson is physically ready and showing NFL-level promise, while Melkart Abou-Jaoude flashed with some strong reps against the run and in pass-rush situations. Both starters—and even some backups—looked disruptive off the edge.
But the interior of the defensive line remains a worry. It’s not just about penetration—there’s a lack of anchor and depth that could be exposed against physical run teams. The guards on offense looked dominant at times, but that may have been more about the weakness they were facing than their own strength.
Verdict: Edge play is a strength. Defensive tackle is a potential liability.
Skill Positions: High-End Talent, Still Fitting the Puzzle Together
One thing that stood out to both of us: this team is in shape. Lean, athletic, and well-conditioned across the board. There’s plenty of skill talent, particularly at corner and in the slot receiver group. Thaddeus Dixon could emerge as a legitimate CB1, and there are wideouts in the slot who can create headaches for defenses.
The challenge isn’t individual talent—it’s how well all these parts fit together. That’s the real project ahead for Belichick and staff. The transfer portal could play a huge role in rounding this roster out. Without a few key additions, the Tar Heels might be one or two pieces short of being true contenders.
Verdict: Athleticism and skill are not the issue. Cohesion is the missing ingredient right now.
The Big Picture: Foundation Set, But Can It Hold?
There’s no doubt Bill Belichick knows every position and situation, and he has started reshaping this program—structurally and mentally. The size and physicality aren’t there yet. The defense already looks more complex and disguised than you’d expect in a spring scrimmage, however, they are still working more man to man. The culture shift is real. But so are the questions.
Quarterback play is inconsistent. Offensive tackle and defensive tackle remain vulnerable. The team looks and feels different—but the path to success in the ACC requires more than just potential. It requires execution, chemistry, and consistency.
Ground Game Boost on the Horizon?
Help may be on the way for North Carolina’s run game. Over the weekend, four-star running back Jaylen McGill gave his verbal commitment to the Tar Heels during his official visit. The 5-foot-10, 200-pound back was already on UNC’s radar under Mack Brown with Natrone Means hard on the chase, so he has also been evaluated closely by the current staff and attended spring practices under Belichick.
McGill brings a strong blend of balance, vision, and physicality that fits well with UNC’s zone running schemes, and reminds you of the NFL guys that have passed through “Chapel Thrill”. His commitment adds firepower to a backfield that showed flashes this spring but still needs a true game-changer to emerge. If the offensive line can solidify—particularly at tackle—McGill could make an early impact as a freshman and elevate the Tar Heels’ ground attack in 2026.
Verdict: McGill’s commitment is a major win. He raises the ceiling of the run game significantly.
For Now, We Will Give This Current Team A Projected Spring Readiness Grade: C+
➡️ UNC has pieces—but they must find more glue and depth.
Want more spring insights and summer updates as the portal heats up? Stay tuned to Packed House Sports for analysis, interviews, and inside access all offseason.