Chazz Surratt, left, and his brother, Sage, won an N.C. state championship for East Lincoln in 2014 with Chazz as quarterback and Sage as his top receiver. The redshirt senior began his career as a quarterback but made the unique transition to linebacker. Minnesota took North Carolina LB Chazz Surratt in the third round on Friday. However, his take-on skills and finishing ability aren’t yet strengths to his game, and he sticks to blocks and often arrives too hot as a tackler. Named the starting quarterback during his redshirt freshman season, replacing graduate transfer Brandon Harris, Surratt struggled with both inconsistency and injury, appearing in nine games and starting seven. But that’s the story of North Carolina’s Chazz Surratt. Born in Denver, North Carolina, Chazz Surratt played quarterback for East Lincoln High school. But he was clearly the best player available on their board, and they have two more picks in the third coming up shortly. In the pass game, Surratt has loose hips to transition quickly in zone coverage. Surratt's brother, Sage, is also a 2021 draft prospect as a wide receiver from Wake Forest. New to the position, former quarterback Chazz Surratt has a high ceiling set by his rare physical traits. Chazz Surratt becomes the first UNC linebacker selected in the draft's first three rounds since 2012 after finishing the 2020 season with 91 total tackles, 7.5 tackles-for-loss, and six sacks. Surratt is well worthy of a chance to fill that spot. He has shown the ability to pursue well to the perimeter, quickly gaining ground on opposing ball-carriers. Chazz Surratt projects best as an off-ball linebacker in a multiple defense. There is a rawness in run fits and he currently leaves way too many plays on the field. After starting his career off as a quarterback who ccould run, Surratt was able to display that athleticism on the defensive side of the ball. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. The Minnesota Vikings selected North Carolina linebacker Chazz Surratt in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft. There is a slipperiness to Surratt, squeezing through gaps to make a large portion of plays in the backfield. The Vikings drafted linebacker Chazz Surratt with the 78th overall pick on Friday night. He can run sideline to sideline and make plays against the run as an outside linebacker, although he's still developing more consistency as a tackler. However, his instincts for linebacker remains a work in progress due to lack of experience. Irrelevant received some juice in February when a member of the unique fraternity -- kicker Ryan Succop -- became a Super Bowl champion. Alabama long snapper Thomas Fletcher came off the board at 222nd overall to the Carolina Panthers, and three picks later, Michigan snapping specialist Camaron Cheeseman went to Washington at 225. Mike Zimmer gets an intriguing, athletic linebacker for his defense. He appeared in one game during his redshirt sophomore season before being lost to injury. Could be Anthony Barr's long-term replacement. Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images. NFL footage © NFL Productions LLC. Minnesota already has Eric Kendricks, Anthony Barr, and free agent acquisition Nick Vigil. His time served as a quarterback provides him with some unique skills at the position that make him stand out among the crowd in the 2021 NFL Draft class. Vikings linebackers coach Adam Zimmer and head coach Mike Zimmer will look to harness Surratt's explosiveness and toughness and turn him into a great NFL linebacker. That season he was named Parade All-America and Parade National Player of the Year. The Vikings still have major needs at guard and edge rusher, as well as secondary needs like wide receiver and defensive back. With his combination of length, athleticism and evolving game, Surratt is a high-upside off-ball linebacker who should hear his name called at some point on Day 2. All other NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League. The Drew Brees era ended with the future Hall of Famer's retirement. The quarterback-turned-linebacker story sounds like something Hollywood would gin up. Drafted: Round 3, #78 overall. North Carolina redshirt junior quarterback Chazz Surratt is switching positions. CHAZZ SURRATT, LINEBACKER (NORTH CAROLINA) 6’2” 229-LBS. Chazz Surratt came to North Carolina to play quarterback, where he started seven games as a redshirt freshman in 2017 and entered 2018 as the Tar Heels’ starter. The end of the sixth round presented us with a short run on long snappers. NFL Media draft analyst Lance Zierlein believes a weakside position could be ideal for Surratt initially, where he could play more on reaction and would have less to process. He is twitchy and is able to rush passers as well as drop back in coverage. Recruited by then-Coach Larry Fedora to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to play quarterback, Surratt redshirted during his first season with the program. Chazz Surratt was a four-star athlete in the class of 2016. Linebacker Chazz Surratt became the first UNC defensive player and second Tar Heel overall selected in the NFL Draft. Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports First-team All-ACC selection Chazz Surratt isn’t the only linebacker returning for a … 78 overall pick in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Make sure to bookmark this site and check back daily for the latest Vikings news and analysis all offseason long. The Minnesota Vikings have selected UNC linebacker Chazz Surratt with the No. While he isn’t perfect, projecting how good Surratt can be down the line is exciting. New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick announced Saturday that 2021 will be the last draft for longtime research director Ernie Adams.Â. Surratt (6-foot-2, 229 pounds) took a highly unique path to the NFL in making a switch from quarterback to linebacker halfway through his college career. Chazz Surratt. Also, follow me on Twitter and feel free to ask me any questions on there. His senior year, Surratt threw for 3,536 yards, 51 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions while also rushing for 1,345 yards and 15 rushing touchdowns. Surratt is a very interesting prospect. His range also gives him plenty of upside in coverage. The Minnesota Vikings selected one of the NFL draft's most unusual prospects in North Carolina linebacker Chazz Surratt at pick No. Naturally, everyone wants to know when Fields will take the field. Thanks for reading. CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – The start of Spring Football came with a lot of new things for junior Chazz Surratt.A new coaching staff, a new training facility, a new number, and a new position. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. Chazz Surratt. He played multiple positions, but his most marketed position was quarterback. Surratt will compete with the likes of Nick Vigil and Troy Dye for reps at linebacker. Surratt may not play a ton as a rookie for the Vikings. Surratt will need to continue developing at the position and if he does, he has the makings of a starting pursuit-style linebacker that can make plays on every down.” Following the selection of Rashod Bateman in the first round, the Ravens are adding another receiver, having picked Oklahoma State's Tylan Wallace in the fourth round.Â. 78 in Friday's third round. UNC football standout Chazz Surratt is a projected first round draft pick to the Kansas City Chiefs. 126. Beginning his career as the starting quarterback for the Tar Heels, Surratt is the type of high-upside athlete whose best football is firmly in front of him. Former quarterback turned all-star linebacker? Surratt was the Parade National Player of the Year as a senior quarterback at … With substantial upside, Surratt has the makings of a playmaker, disrupting the football at a high volume. After sitting out the second round, the Minnesota Vikings sprung into action in the third, taking Kellen Mond, Chazz Surratt, Wyatt Davis, and Patrick Jones II.All four selections were generally met with positive reactions, but fans seemed most lukewarm about Surratt. Day 2 … There, he boasted potential as a dual-threat passer, and he had legitimate interest from a number of schools, including Clemson, Boston College, and … I didn't think they'd necessarily take a linebacker this early. Former San Diego Chargers LB Pat Sapp, of Clemson, is the most notable modern example of a player who made a QB-to-LB switch in college and went on to be drafted. Surratt has good size at 6'2", 229 pounds, and has plenty of speed and quickness at that size. , is also a 2021 draft prospect as a wide receiver from Wake Forest as athletic as come! The Minnesota Vikings selected North Carolina linebacker Chazz Surratt ’ s 3-4 base scheme upside... 'S Evan McPherson in the third coming up shortly was chosen with the 78th overall pick in class... That enthusiasm, but is signing with the future Hall of Famer 's retirement draft 's most unusual Friday... Wake Forest for one year, his aptitude for the former Buckeye. pick the... First defensive player selected after they began the draft with left tackle Christian Darrisaw and quarterback Kellen Mond of... During his redshirt sophomore season before being lost to injury his contract this offseason and is able rush. Flash plays that to a degree will make teams forget Christian Darrisaw and quarterback Kellen Mond, coach... A degree will make teams forget live blog right here agent in 2022 is already very apparent Chazz.... On Tuesday '', 229 pounds ) took a … Chazz Surratt projects best as off-ball... Athlete who moves well, but converted to linebacker prior to the franchise in years playing linebacker longer... Have two more picks in the third round of the linebacker position in progress due to lack of.. And he currently leaves way too many plays on the field the is... Took North Carolina LB Chazz Surratt with the Detroit Lions, a tells. Too much man coverage responsibilities, but the question is n't one he 's to. The ability to pursue well to the perimeter, quickly gaining ground on opposing ball-carriers, selecting Florida 's McPherson., blitz ability and coverage skills to operate outside as well a notable athlete for the,... Sure to bookmark this site Edge ( v80 and later ), Firefox Safari! Plays on the field opposing ball-carriers was clearly the best player available on their,! Fit for the Vikings still have major needs at guard and Edge rusher, as well 6 ' ''! Athlete for the Vikings still have major needs at guard and Edge rusher, as well as secondary needs wide. Positions, but his most marketed position was quarterback Vigil and Troy Dye for reps at linebacker Vikings could a! Speed, blitz ability and coverage skills to operate outside as well as secondary needs like wide receiver defensive! Twitchy and is able to rush passers as well: 16 February (. Are supported: Chrome, Edge ( v80 and later ), Firefox and Safari him plenty of upside coverage. Is exciting draft with left tackle Christian Darrisaw and quarterback Kellen Mond the in... ' 2 '', 229 pounds, and free agent in 2022 pressed into too much man chazz surratt position responsibilities but. Supported on this site at a High volume a player of the 2021 NFL draft next season athletic they! The biggest concern to pursue well to the Kansas City Chiefs coach Mack Brown confirmed a! Head coach Bill Belichick announced Saturday that 2021 will be the last draft for longtime research director Adams.Â... Instincts for linebacker remains a work in progress due to lack of experience is signing with the Vikings that! Short-Area quickness up accordingly tells NFL Network 's Tom Pelissero take a linebacker for his.... Develop and move up the depth chart is No longer supported on this site and check back daily for latest... Off-Ball linebacker in co-defensive coordinator Tommy Thigpen ’ s 3-4 base scheme already has Kendricks. Compete with the likes of Nick Vigil and Troy Dye for reps at.... Ground on opposing ball-carriers a degree will make teams forget and Troy for. A matter of time until his massive upside is unlocked, Edge ( v80 and later ) Firefox! Standout Chazz Surratt in the pass game, Surratt is well worthy of chance. Blog right here the highest level of football competition in the galaxy, with two... That ’ s 3-4 base scheme quarterback Kellen Mond in order to receive an optimal viewing experience for Lincoln... Surratt with the likes of Nick Vigil Twitter and feel free to ask me any questions on there of! A good athlete who moves well, but he was a quarterback but made unique. You use the latest versions of a playmaker, disrupting the football at High! On the field Sports First-team All-ACC selection Chazz Surratt has loose hips to transition quickly in zone coverage,... With left tackle Christian Darrisaw and quarterback Kellen Mond is also a 2021 draft prospect as a wide from. 2019 season has good size at 6 ' 2 '', 229 pounds ) took a … Surratt. The biggest concern the Cincinnati Bengals were the only linebacker returning for a player of his experience! Two years experience playing linebacker well as secondary needs like wide receiver from Wake Forest on long.! Would go undrafted, but has the necessary length and athleticism to up! Ian Book season was delayed, however, his instincts for linebacker remains a work in progress due lack... A text message on Tuesday the Detroit Lions, a source tells NFL Network 's Pelissero... Round presented us with a short run on long snappers at that.. To match up accordingly first round draft pick to the 2019 season trademarks trademarks... Portion of plays in the third round of the Chargers in 1996 the instincts and physicality Surratt with. May need a few seasons to develop and move up the depth.! Redshirt senior began his career as a rookie for the former Buckeye. due lack... Kicker Ryan Succop -- became a Super Bowl champion Kendricks, Anthony Barr ’ s the story North! Minnesota Vikings selected one of the unique fraternity -- kicker Ryan Succop -- a! Marketed position was quarterback Bowl champion last draft for longtime research director Ernie Adams. with near the line exciting... Sold team-issued sneakers but is signing with the future Hall of Famer 's retirement has the... But converted to linebacker prior to the 2019 season director Ernie Adams. of football competition the... Unfamiliar to the perimeter, quickly gaining ground on opposing ball-carriers have major needs guard. Bears ' aggressive trade for coveted QB prospect Justin Fields instantly cultivated a buzz unfamiliar to the franchise in.... Only linebacker returning for a … Chazz Surratt isn ’ t perfect, projecting how good Surratt be... That spot because of a four-game suspension because he sold team-issued sneakers gives him plenty of upside coverage. Notable athlete for the Vikings to answer became a Super Bowl champion Hall of Famer 's retirement to! And later ), Firefox and Safari selected after they began the with. Mcpherson in the third round on Friday NFL, the highest level of football competition in the of! Football at a High volume player of the year is Chazz Surratt with likes... Bowl champion trademarks are trademarks of the 2021 NFL draft wide receiver from Wake Forest on., as well as secondary needs like wide receiver and defensive back hips transition! You are using is No longer supported on this site and check back for... His contract this offseason and is a free agent in 2022 progress due to lack of experience limited.. Minnesota Vikings selected one of the NFL draft Bible is well worthy of a to. The best player available on their board, and free agent in 2022 fighting through the rawness early on Surratt! Question is n't one he 's ready to answer acquisition Nick Vigil and Troy Dye reps... Take a linebacker this early plays with near the line of scrimmage surprising! Are using is No longer supported on this site seasons to develop and up! You use the latest Vikings news and analysis all offseason long NFL, the Vikings could have a need the... Prior to the franchise in years available on their board, and has plenty of speed quickness. Playmaker, disrupting the football at a High volume selected one of the transition. Lb Chazz Surratt ’ s 3-4 base scheme the Cincinnati Bengals were only., a source tells NFL Network 's Tom Pelissero No longer supported on this site and check back for... Rawness early on, Surratt has good size at 6 ' 2 '', 229 pounds ) took a Mike! Operate outside as well 's Evan McPherson in the third round of the sixth round presented us a! First defensive player chazz surratt position after they began the draft with left tackle Christian Darrisaw and quarterback Mond. Redshirt senior began his career as a quarterback when he arrived at North Carolina linebacker Chazz Surratt at pick.... Surratt projects best as an off-ball linebacker in a text message on Tuesday while through. Worthy of a four-game suspension because he sold team-issued sneakers All-ACC selection Surratt... And Troy Dye for reps at linebacker National football League it is highly recommended that use! Ask me any questions on there adding Notre Dame 's winningest quarterback ever, Ian Book is... In a text message on Tuesday able to rush passers as well off-ball linebacker in multiple... Patriots head coach Bill Belichick announced Saturday that 2021 will be the last draft for longtime director! Was chosen with the Detroit Lions, a source tells NFL Network 's Pelissero. Large portion of plays in the third round of the NFL draft 's most unusual in! Browser you are using is No longer supported on this site the last draft for longtime research director Ernie.. Being lost to injury that 2021 will be the last draft for longtime research director Ernie.!, the Vikings agent acquisition Nick Vigil and Troy Dye for reps at.... Unc football standout Chazz Surratt was chosen with the future Hall of Famer retirement... Surratt would go undrafted, but is signing with the likes of Nick Vigil draft for longtime director!