Bryson Nesbit North Carolina TE Emerges as Top NFL Draft Prospect for 2026
Bryson Nesbit is establishing himself as one of college football’s premier tight ends at North Carolina. The 6’5″, 235-pound senior has become a reliable target in the Tar Heels’ passing attack. So far in the 2024 season, he has hauled in 24 receptions for 264 yards and 3 touchdowns. His size, athleticism, and hands make him a legitimate NFL prospect who could hear his name called in the early rounds of the upcoming draft.
Nesbit’s journey to Chapel Hill wasn’t without fanfare. He arrived as a four-star prospect ranked as the nation’s No. 13 tight end in the 247Sports Composite. Born in Charlotte, North Carolina on September 25, 2002, the homegrown talent has fulfilled the promise that made him a coveted recruit.
NFL scouts have taken notice of Nesbit’s development. His 11.0 yards per reception average demonstrates his ability to create after the catch, while his three touchdowns showcase his red zone value. With modern NFL offenses increasingly utilizing athletic tight ends as matchup nightmares, Nesbit’s stock continues to rise as the 2025 NFL Draft approaches.
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Bryson Nesbit: UNC’s Promising Talent
Bryson Nesbit has emerged as one of the most dynamic tight ends in college football. The four-star prospect arrived at Chapel Hill with impressive credentials, ranked as the nation’s No. 13 tight end and No. 19 player in North Carolina.
The Charlotte native has steadily built his reputation at UNC, becoming a crucial weapon in the Tar Heels’ offensive arsenal. His combination of size, athleticism, and reliable hands makes him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses.
During the 2023 season, Nesbit tallied 585 receiving yards and five touchdowns, showcasing his ability to stretch the field and create opportunities in the red zone.
What separates Nesbit from other tight ends is his versatility. He lines up inline, in the slot, and even out wide, creating mismatches that UNC’s offense exploits regularly.
As a senior in 2024, Nesbit has embraced a leadership role for the Tar Heels, mentoring younger players while continuing to develop his own game.
Nesbit’s Career Statistics at UNC:
| Season | Receptions | Yards | TDs | Avg/Catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 41 | 585 | 5 | 14.3 |
| 2024* | On pace for career highs |
NFL scouts have taken notice, with many projecting Nesbit as a potential Day 2 selection in the upcoming draft. His combination of receiving ability and improving blocking skills makes him an intriguing prospect at the next level.
Early Years and High School Career
Bryson Nesbit’s path to football stardom began with a unique twist – he wasn’t allowed to play tackle football until his junior year at South Mecklenburg High School in Charlotte, North Carolina. This restriction came from his parents, including his father Jamar Nesbit, a former NFL player.
When Nesbit finally stepped onto the field, he made an immediate impact. Despite his late start, he quickly developed into a four-star prospect who would eventually be ranked as the nation’s No. 13 tight end.
The Charlotte native primarily operated as a wide receiver in high school, showcasing remarkable versatility for someone with his frame. His natural athleticism and receiving skills made him stand out, even with limited experience.
By the end of his high school career, Nesbit had become one of North Carolina’s top prospects, ranked No. 19 overall in the state according to the 247Sports Composite rankings.
High School Achievements:
- Four-star prospect ranking
- Nation’s No. 13 tight end
- No. 19 ranked player in North Carolina
- Only played football starting junior year
- Attended South Mecklenburg High School
What makes Nesbit’s development remarkable is how quickly he adapted to the sport. His physical gifts combined with a strong football IQ (likely influenced by his NFL lineage) helped him overcome his late start to the game.
College Career Highlights
Bryson Nesbit’s journey at North Carolina transformed him from a promising freshman into one of the ACC’s most dominant tight ends. His combination of size, athleticism, and reliable hands made him a key weapon in the Tar Heels’ offensive arsenal throughout his collegiate career.
Freshman Season Impact
Nesbit burst onto the scene as a true freshman for the North Carolina Tar Heels, showing flashes of the talent that would later define his career. Despite limited opportunities, he made the most of his playing time in the 2021 season.
The 6’5″ tight end recorded 10 receptions for 178 yards and 3 touchdowns, displaying his ability to stretch the field vertically. His 17.8 yards per catch ranked impressively among ACC tight ends.
Coaches noted his exceptional route-running ability for a young player, something rarely seen in freshman tight ends. Nesbit’s blocking skills were developing, but his natural receiving talent was evident from the start.
His performance against Wake Forest, where he hauled in 2 catches for 54 yards, provided a glimpse of his big-play potential that would become his trademark in later seasons.
Sophomore Year Development
Nesbit’s sophomore campaign saw significant growth in both production and consistency. He appeared in 12 games while starting two contests for the Tar Heels.
The Charlotte native became a reliable target in the passing game, recording 28 receptions for 433 yards and 4 touchdowns. His chemistry with quarterback Drake Maye began flourishing, particularly in the red zone.
Nesbit’s blocking improved dramatically, allowing him to stay on the field in more situations. This development made him a true three-down tight end in the UNC offense.
| Category | Stats |
|---|---|
| Receptions | 28 |
| Receiving Yards | 433 |
| Touchdowns | 4 |
| Yards Per Catch | 15.5 |
Against Virginia Tech, Nesbit delivered a career performance with 5 catches for 98 yards, showcasing his improved ability to find soft spots in zone coverage.
Junior Year Breakthrough
Nesbit’s junior season represented his true breakout as one of the ACC’s premier tight ends. He emerged as a focal point of North Carolina’s passing attack.
The dynamic tight end amassed 41 receptions for 585 yards and 5 touchdowns, earning well-deserved first-team All-ACC honors. His production came despite facing increased defensive attention.
Nesbit’s signature performance came against Miami, where he recorded 7 catches for 109 yards and 2 touchdowns in a thrilling contest. NFL scouts took serious notice of his combination of size and athleticism.
His blocking reached a new level, making him equally valuable in the run game. Coaches praised his football IQ and ability to recognize defensive coverages pre-snap.
Nesbit’s highlight-reel catches became regular occurrences, with several appearing on national broadcasts throughout the season.
Senior Season and Legacy
Nesbit’s senior campaign cemented his legacy as one of North Carolina’s all-time great tight ends. His 2024 season highlights showcase a player performing at an elite level.
The senior captain displayed remarkable consistency, recording at least 4 catches in nine games. His versatility allowed coaches to line him up inline, in the slot, or out wide to create mismatches.
NFL draft analysts project him as a potential early-round selection, citing his rare combination of receiving skills and improved blocking. His 6’5″ frame and soft hands have drawn comparisons to established NFL tight ends.
Nesbit concluded his UNC career among the program’s top tight ends in all receiving categories. His leadership extended beyond statistics, as he mentored younger players and set a standard for the position.
The Tar Heels frequently targeted him in critical third-down and red-zone situations, where his size and catch radius made him nearly unstoppable against smaller defenders.
Skillset and Playing Style
Bryson Nesbit brings a unique combination of size, athleticism, and receiving ability to North Carolina’s offense. His versatility allows him to line up both as a traditional tight end and in wide receiver slots, creating matchup nightmares for opposing defenses.
Receiving Abilities
Nesbit possesses exceptional hands and route-running skills that separate him from typical tight ends. He excels in jump ball and rebound scenarios, giving quarterbacks a reliable target in contested catch situations. His ability to track the ball and adjust mid-air makes him particularly dangerous in the red zone.
When lined up in space, Nesbit demonstrates fluidity not often seen at his position. His technical proficiency allows him to create separation against both linebackers and defensive backs.
The junior tight end has shown consistent improvement in his route tree complexity, now effectively running seam routes, crossers, and back-shoulder fades with equal proficiency. This versatility makes Nesbit a weapon for the Tar Heels in various offensive packages.
Physical Attributes
At 6’6″, Nesbit brings tremendous size to the position combined with surprising speed and agility. His frame allows him to box out defenders effectively while maintaining the athleticism to operate in space after the catch.
Nesbit has shown development in his blocking technique, though it’s not his primary strength. He uses his length well to engage defenders and has improved his hand placement and leverage.
What truly distinguishes Nesbit is his rare combination of size and movement skills. Few tight ends his size can change direction as fluidly or accelerate as quickly after catching passes. This makes him a legitimate vertical threat from the tight end position.
Playmaking and Scoring
Nesbit’s unique blend of size and athleticism translates directly to his playmaking ability. He consistently generates yards after catch by breaking arm tackles and showing deceptive open-field elusiveness for a player of his stature.
In red zone situations, Nesbit becomes an even more valuable asset. His height advantage and jump ball skills make him nearly impossible to defend on fade routes and back-shoulder throws near the goal line.
Draft analysts have taken notice of his production and skillset, with some listing Nesbit as a potential early-round selection. His ability to create mismatches makes him an intriguing NFL prospect who could contribute immediately at the next level. NFL teams increasingly value tight ends who can flex out wide, and Nesbit’s experience operating as a wide receiver in certain packages enhances his draft stock considerably.
Tight End Role and Responsibilities
Bryson Nesbit has emerged as one of the most versatile tight ends in college football. His unique skill set allows him to function as both a traditional tight end and a wide receiver in North Carolina’s offensive schemes.
Offensive Schemes and Tight Ends
In North Carolina’s offensive system, Nesbit has proven to be a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. At 6’4″ and 235 pounds, he possesses the size to overpower defensive backs and the speed to outrun linebackers. This versatility has made him a weapon for the Tar Heels in both short and long-yardage situations.
Nesbit’s route-running precision stands out among collegiate tight ends. He excels at finding soft spots in zone coverage and creating separation against man coverage.
In 2023, Nesbit led all ACC tight ends in receiving yards, demonstrating his effectiveness in the passing game. His production has NFL scouts taking notice, with many projecting him as a mid-round selection in the upcoming draft.
All-Purpose Running
Nesbit’s after-the-catch ability separates him from other tight ends in his draft class. Once he secures the ball, he transforms into a powerful runner with surprising agility for his size.
His 2023 stats showcase his all-around effectiveness:
| Category | Stats |
|---|---|
| Receptions | 56 |
| Receiving Yards | 585 |
| Yards per Catch | 10.4 |
| Touchdowns | 5 |
Against Virginia in 2023, Nesbit posted a season-high 93 yards and a touchdown, demonstrating his big-play capability. His consistent production throughout the season highlighted his reliability as a target in crucial situations.
NFL teams value his combination of size and athleticism, which allows him to be deployed from multiple positions in offensive formations.
Blocking and Pass Protection
While Nesbit’s receiving abilities garner attention, his blocking skills shouldn’t be overlooked. He’s big enough to be a dependable blocker in the running game, providing crucial edge support for North Carolina’s ground attack.
In pass protection, Nesbit has shown improvement throughout his collegiate career. He demonstrates solid technique when asked to stay in and block, allowing the quarterback additional time in the pocket.
His willingness to engage in the physical aspects of tight end play separates him from pure receiving tight ends. This complete skill set makes him valuable in all offensive situations.
NFL scouts note that while his blocking technique isn’t yet elite, his frame and athleticism provide a solid foundation for further development at the professional level.
Statistical Overview
Bryson Nesbit has established himself as one of North Carolina’s most reliable offensive weapons. His production has steadily increased each season, showcasing his development as a dynamic tight end with NFL potential.
College Career Statistics
Nesbit’s statistical progression at North Carolina demonstrates his growing role in the Tar Heels’ offensive scheme. In the 2023 season, he recorded 41 receptions for 585 yards, averaging an impressive 14.3 yards per catch with a touchdown rate of 13.7%.
This production represents significant growth from his 2022 campaign, where he tallied 35 catches for 507 yards at 14.5 yards per reception and a 9.9% touchdown rate.
The 2024 season has continued this upward trajectory, with Nesbit already accumulating 24 receptions for 264 yards and 3 touchdowns through the early part of the season. His consistent 11.0 yards per catch average demonstrates his reliability as a target.
| Season | Receptions | Yards | TDs | Avg. Yards/Catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 35 | 507 | ~3 | 14.5 |
| 2023 | 41 | 585 | ~6 | 14.3 |
| 2024* | 24 | 264 | 3 | 11.0 |
| *Season in progress |
Key Performances and Game Logs
Nesbit’s game logs reveal his ability to impact critical contests. The 6’5″, 235-pound tight end has shown remarkable consistency, particularly in conference matchups where his size and athleticism create mismatches.
His game log shows several standout performances where he exceeded 50 receiving yards, demonstrating his big-play capability. Currently ranked as the #18 tight end prospect with a 76.0 rating for the NFL draft, Nesbit’s combination of receiving skills and physical attributes has scouts intrigued.
NFL evaluators particularly note his yards from scrimmage production and touchdown potential as translatable skills at the next level. His 4.88 forty time suggests adequate mobility for his position, though improving this metric could elevate his draft stock.
Nesbit’s Draft Prospects
Bryson Nesbit has firmly established himself as one of the top tight end prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft. His combination of size, athleticism, and receiving ability has scouts taking notice as the draft cycle approaches.
Draft Projections and Rankings
Nesbit currently projects as a potential Day 2 selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. According to draft analysts, he’s graded as a fringe top-100 prospect with some suggesting he could hear his name called in the late Day 2 or early Day 3 range. His 6’5″, 235-pound frame gives him excellent size for the position.
NFL teams covet his rare blend of size and athleticism. Nesbit earned First-Team All-ACC honors in 2023, showcasing his development and production at North Carolina.
His vertical threat capabilities particularly stand out to evaluators. Teams looking for a modern tight end who can stretch the field and create mismatches will have Nesbit high on their boards.
| Measurement | Nesbit’s Data |
|---|---|
| Height | 6’5″ |
| Weight | 235-238 lbs |
| Arm Length | 31¾” |
| Hand Size | 9¾” |
Scouting Combine and Workouts
While Nesbit’s official testing numbers aren’t yet available, his on-field performance suggests he’ll test well at the NFL Combine. His fluidity as a vertical threat should translate to impressive workout metrics.
Scouts will be watching his agility drills closely. Nesbit’s ability to change direction and accelerate will be key factors in determining his final draft position. His testing in the 40-yard dash could significantly impact his stock.
One area scouts will scrutinize is his blocking ability. Nesbit has been noted as having limited in-line upside as a blocker, which could affect how teams value him.
ESPN draft analysts have highlighted his receiving skills as his primary selling point. If he can demonstrate improved blocking technique during the pre-draft process, his stock could rise considerably.
Comparisons and Peer Analysis
Bryson Nesbit stands out among tight ends not just for his physical gifts but for his production in a competitive landscape. His combination of size, receiving ability, and versatility puts him in elite company both in the ACC and nationally.
TEs in the ACC
The ACC boasts several talented tight ends, but Nesbit has emerged as one of the conference’s premier pass-catchers at the position. His 1,246 career receiving yards places him among the conference’s most productive tight ends in recent years.
What separates Nesbit from his peers is his versatility. While some ACC tight ends excel primarily as blockers or receivers, Nesbit’s ability to line up in multiple positions gives him a distinct advantage. North Carolina’s coaching staff aligns him in various formations, creating matchup problems that few other tight ends in the conference can replicate.
His draft stock reflects this advantage – while most ACC tight ends are Day 3 prospects at best, Nesbit is projected between late Day 2 and early Day 3.
Comparison With John Copenhaver
When comparing Nesbit with teammate John Copenhaver, the contrast in roles and strengths becomes immediately apparent. While both wear Carolina blue, their utilization in the offense differs significantly.
Receiving Production Comparison:
| Statistic | Bryson Nesbit | John Copenhaver |
|---|---|---|
| Career Yards | 1,246 | ~400 |
| Primary Role | Vertical threat | Possession receiver |
| Alignment | Multiple positions | Primarily in-line |
Nesbit offers more as a vertical threat, using his length and fluid movement to stretch defenses. Copenhaver, though less heralded, provides reliable hands in shorter routes and more consistent blocking in the run game.
The NFL projects these differences clearly. Nesbit is seen as a developmental receiving tight end with limited blocking upside, while Copenhaver profiles more as a traditional Y tight end with a lower ceiling but potentially more defined role at the next level.
Off-the-Field Impact
Bryson Nesbit’s influence extends far beyond his impressive performances on the football field, establishing him as a standout figure in multiple aspects of university life at North Carolina.
Community Engagement
Nesbit has demonstrated remarkable commitment to community service during his time at UNC. The tight end regularly participates in local youth football camps, sharing his expertise with the next generation of athletes throughout Chapel Hill and surrounding communities.
His engagement with UNC’s charitable initiatives has been consistent and meaningful. Nesbit has been involved with the Tar Heels’ hospital visits program, bringing smiles to children facing medical challenges.
During the off-season, he has dedicated time to food drives and literacy programs in North Carolina, partnering with local organizations to maximize impact. These efforts haven’t gone unnoticed, as he’s earned recognition from the university for his volunteer work.
Leadership and Team Dynamics
Entering his senior season, Nesbit has emerged as one of the Tar Heels’ most respected locker room presences. His leadership style combines vocal guidance with consistent example-setting in practice and preparation.
Teammates consistently point to Nesbit’s work ethic and professional approach as influential factors in the team’s culture. As one of the experienced tight ends on the roster, he’s taken younger players under his wing.
Coaches praise his ability to bridge communication gaps between staff and players. His football IQ translates to helping teammates understand complex schemes and assignments, making him an unofficial extension of the coaching staff on the field.
Media Presence
Nesbit handles media responsibilities with remarkable poise and authenticity. His interviews reflect both confidence and humility, qualities that resonate with fans and journalists alike.
His growing social media presence showcases his personality beyond football, including his passion for fishing. This provides followers with a more complete picture of who he is off the field.
As a legacy athlete, Nesbit navigates the additional spotlight with grace. His background has prepared him well for the increased attention as his draft stock rises.
NFL scouts have noted his composure in media settings as a positive indicator of his readiness for professional football’s demands. This maturity in handling public-facing responsibilities strengthens his projection as a mid-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft.
