It's rare for a team to emerge from the NFL Draft with two players from the same school. It's even more rare for both of those players to come from the same position group.
But this was the case for the Giants, who selected both of North Carolina's starting guards last weekend. Joshua Ezeudu was the 67th overall selection, while Marcus McKethan became the 172nd pick.
Tar Heels head coach Mack Brown recently joined the Giants Huddle podcast to discuss the two offensive linemen, explaining why he believes they will thrive with Big Blue.
"These guys, they know what they're doing, they're tough, they understand the game, they're very driven," said Brown. "I think in the case of both of these young guys, their football is ahead of them. I really think they're on the cutting edge of what's next. I think the Giants were really smart in drafting both of them."
Ezeudu had an interesting experience playing at North Carolina. Over the last three seasons, the 6-foot-4 lineman saw snaps at three different positions along the line. Since 2019, Ezeudu got at least 160 snaps at left tackle, left guard and right tackle, with the most coming at left guard.
He started 11 of 12 games this past season, earning a 77.8 overall Pro Football Focus grade and an 83.0 run block grade. Ezeudu was also impressive in pass protection, allowing just two sacks, two QB hits and 12 hurries on 426 pass block snaps. He was named All-ACC Honorable Mention for his performance.
"Josh is really smart, and he can play anywhere. He's very athletic," said the UNC head coach. "We thought he was one of the best offensive linemen in the country. In fact, we wanted him to come back because we thought he could be a first or second rounder the next year. I think he's just going to grow and grow and all of it is ahead of him. He had a sore knee at one point. He also fought through an ankle, so he's tough. He played through all of those issues."
But Ezeudu's versatility went beyond simply seeing snaps at different positions throughout the season. On numerous occasions, Ezeudu would line up at one position on the O-line for one play, and then a different position on the line on the very next play. Brown admitted it takes a special kind of player to be able to handle that type of shuffling.
"Well, he was our best offensive lineman, and definitely the most versatile," Brown said. "We were able to try to, if we had an issue with some defensive player, we would just try to match him up and let him move over there. That's how versatile he is. He can play anywhere…
"He's a special guy. Not many people can do that. You wouldn't even think about it with most. But with him, we didn't think about not doing it because it was so easy for him."
Ezeudu has had to overcome a lot to get to where he is today. The offensive lineman arrived at North Carolina in 2018 with a significant stutter. But over the last few years, he has put in a ton of work to conquer his speech disorder in order to be able to speak in front of the media - as he did at his introductory press conference with the Giants media last weekend.
The young lineman, who was voted a team captain, wants to serve as a role model for kids with stutters to show them that anything is possible. As valuable as his skills are on the field, the Tar Heels coach made it clear that Ezeudu's leadership in the locker room will be missed just as much.
"Josh would be the first to talk to you about it, but he had a stuttering issue when we got here, and he really had trouble speaking in front of people," said Brown. "I heard him on draft day talking about being so excited to be a Giant, and he didn't stutter at all. We got him some help a couple of years ago, and I was so proud of that. That was probably my most proud moment on draft day of watching Josh, who is so smart, be able to articulate like he would want to…
"I thought when he overcame the stuttering, it allowed him to be a better leader. It pretty much coincided with each other. We're going to miss him as a great offensive lineman, but as much as a true leader."
View photos from the college careers of the Giants' entire 11-player draft class
Round 1, Pick No. 5 - Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon
Round 1, Pick No. 7 - Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
Round 2, Pick No. 43 - Wan'Dale Robinson, WR, Kentucky
Round 3, Pick No. 67 - Joshua Ezeudu, OL, North Carolina
Round 3, Pick No. 81 - Cor'Dale Flott, CB, LSU
Round 4, Pick No. 112 - Daniel Bellinger, TE, San Diego State
Round 4, Pick No. 114 - Dane Belton, S, Iowa
Round 5, Pick No. 146 - LB Micah McFadden, Indiana
Round 5, Pick No. 147 - DL D.J. Davidson, Arizona State
Round 5, Pick No. 173 - OL Marcus McKethan
Round 6, Pick No. 182 - LB Darrian Beavers
Oregon Ducks defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) runs around the edge during an NCAA college football game against the Stanford Cardinal, Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, in Stanford, Calif. Stanford defeated Oregon in overtime, 31-24. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Oregon defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux celebrates after his team scored a safety during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Washington, Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)
Oregon Ducks defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) rushes the edge on defense during the Fiesta Bowl NCAA college football game against the Iowa State Cyclones, Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Oregon Ducks defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) defends in coverage during an NCAA college football game against the UCLA Bruins, Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021, in Pasadena, Calif. Oregon defeated UCLA, 34-31. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Oregon Ducks defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) runs around the edge during an NCAA college football game against the Stanford Cardinal, Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, in Stanford, Calif. Stanford defeated Oregon in overtime, 31-24. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Southern California quarterback Kedon Slovis (9) is tackled by Oregon defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game for the Pac-12 Conference championship Friday, Dec 18, 2020, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Oregon Ducks defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) looks on prior to an NCAA college football game against the Stanford Cardinal, Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, in Stanford, Calif. Stanford defeated Oregon in overtime, 31-24. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Oregon defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) defends against UCLA during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Oregon's Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) against Stanford during an NCAA college football game in Stanford, Calif., Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn)
Oregon Ducks defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) celebrates during an NCAA college football game against the Stanford Cardinal, Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, in Stanford, Calif. Stanford defeated Oregon in overtime, 31-24. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Alabama offensive lineman Evan Neal (73) gets set against LSU during the second half of an NCAA football game Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. LSU won 46-41. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Evan Neal (73) in an offensive stance during the Cotton Bowl NCAA College Football Playoff semifinal game against Cincinnati, Friday, Dec. 31, 2021 in Arlington, Texas. Alabama won, 27-6. (Ric Tapia via AP)
Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Evan Neal (73) plays the field during the Rose Bowl NCAA college football game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Friday, Jan. 1, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. Alabama beat Notre Dame 31-14. (Cooper Neill via AP)
Alabama offensive lineman Evan Neal (73) tosses confetti after the Cotton Bowl NCAA College Football Playoff semifinal game against Cincinnati, Friday, Dec. 31, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. Alabama won 27-6. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Evan Neal (73) in an offensive stance during the Cotton Bowl NCAA College Football Playoff semifinal game against Cincinnati, Friday, Dec. 31, 2021 in Arlington, Texas. Alabama won, 27-6. (Ric Tapia via AP)
Alabama offensive lineman Evan Neal (73) sets up on the line during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Tennessee, Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama offensive lineman Evan Neal (73) blocks against Mercer defensive lineman Chris Hill (98) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama offensive lineman Evan Neal (73) looks on during warm-up drills before the start of an NCAA college football game against Texas A&M on Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Craft)
Alabama offensive lineman Evan Neal (73) is shown against Miami during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Alabama offensive lineman Evan Neal (73) lines up against Mercer during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Kentucky wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson (1) lines up against Georgia during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021 in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Kentucky wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson (1) runs after catching a pass during the second half of the Citrus Bowl NCAA college football game against Iowa, Saturday, Jan. 1, 2022, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Kentucky wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson (1) plays against Vanderbilt in the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Kentucky wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson (1) runs after catching a pass in front of Iowa defensive back Kaevon Merriweather (26) during the second half of the Citrus Bowl NCAA college football game, Saturday, Jan. 1, 2022, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Kentucky wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson (1) attempts to avoid Louisville defensive back Qwynnterrio Cole (12) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Louisville, Ky., Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley)
Kentucky wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson (1) runs the ball upfield during an NCAA college football game against Tennessee in Lexington, Ky., Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021. (AP Photo/Michael Clubb)
Kentucky wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson celebrates after catching a pass for a first down against Vanderbilt in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Kentucky wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson (1) celebrates getting a first down during the first half of a NCAA college football game against Chattanooga in Lexington, Ky., Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021. (AP Photo/Michael Clubb)
Kentucky wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson (1) celebrates scoring a touchdown during an NCAA college football game against LSU in Lexington, Ky., Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021. (AP Photo/Michael Clubb)
Kentucky wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson (1) carries the ball against Georgia during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021 in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
OL Joshua Ezeudu
OL Joshua Ezeudu
North Carolina offensive lineman Joshua Ezeudu stands on the sidelines during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Miami, Thursday, Sept. 27, 2018, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
North Carolina head coach Mack Brown, right, reacts with offensive lineman Joshua Ezeudu, left, after Brown was doused with water during the second half of the Military Bowl NCAA college football game against Temple, Friday, Dec. 27, 2019, in Annapolis, Md. North Carolina won 55-13. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
North Carolina offensive lineman Joshua Ezeudu runs through a drill for NFL scouts during Pro Day, Monday, March 28, 2022, in Chapel Hill, N.C. (AP Photo/Chris Seward)
North Carolina offensive lineman Joshua Ezeudu, right, runs through a drill for NFL scouts during Pro Day, Monday, March 28, 2022, in Chapel Hill, N.C. (AP Photo/Chris Seward)
North Carolina offensive lineman Joshua Ezeudu runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 4, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
North Carolina offensive lineman Joshua Ezeudu (14) participates in drills at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, March 4, 2022. (AP Photo/Steve Luciano)
North Carolina offensive lineman Joshua Ezeudu (14) participates in a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 4, 2022 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
North Carolina offensive lineman Joshua Ezeudu (14) participates in drills at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, March 4, 2022. (AP Photo/Steve Luciano)
LSU cornerback Cordale Flott (25) celebrates intercepting a Mississippi State pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021, in Starkville, Miss. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
LSU Tigers cornerback Cordale Flott (25) defends during the an NCAA college football game against the UCLA Bruins on Saturday, Sep. 4, 2021 in Pasadena, Calif. UCLA won, 38-27. (Ric Tapia via AP)
LSU cornerback Cordale Flott (25) plays against Texas A&M during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La,. Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021. (AP Photo/Derick Hingle)
LSU cornerback Cordale Flott (25) runs during an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
LSU cornerback Cordale Flott (25) during an NCAA football game against Georgia Southern, Saturday, August 31, 2019, in Baton Rouge, La. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
LSU Tigers cornerback Cordale Flott (25) defends during the an NCAA college football game against the UCLA Bruins on Saturday, Sep. 4, 2021 in Pasadena, Calif. UCLA won, 38-27. (Ric Tapia via AP)
LSU cornerback Cordale Flott plays against Vanderbilt in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
LSU cornerback Cordale Flott (25) celebrates a defensive stop in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Auburn in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
LSU defensive back Cordale Flott runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 6, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
LSU defensive back Cordale Flott runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 6, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
San Diego State Aztecs tight end Daniel Bellinger (88) in an offensive stance during the NCAA college football game against the Nevada Wolf Pack, Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021 in Carson, Calif. (Ric Tapia via AP)
San Diego State tight end Daniel Bellinger (88) waits for the ball to snap in the second half, of an NCAA college football game against BYU Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020, in Provo, Utah. (AP Photo/George Frey)
San Diego State tight end Daniel Bellinger runs on the field during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Fresno State Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021, in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
San Diego State tight end Daniel Bellinger in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021, at Air Force Academy, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
San Diego State tight end Daniel Bellinger (88) pulls in a pass next to Hawaii linebacker Jeremiah Pritchard (2), but out of bound during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019, in Honolulu. (AP Photo/Marco Garcia)
San Diego State tight end Daniel Bellinger catches a touchdown pass in front of Nevada defensive back Berdale Robins during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021, in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
San Diego State tight end Daniel Bellinger (88) catches a pass against San Jose State linebacker Alii Matau (8) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Oct. 15, 2021, in San Jose, Calif. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)
San Diego State tight end Daniel Bellinger (88) catches a first down pass in the first half of an NCAA college football game with Nevada, Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020, Reno, Nev. (AP Photo/Lance Iversen)
San Diego State Aztecs tight end Daniel Bellinger (88) runs a route during the NCAA college football game against the Nevada Wolf Pack, Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021 in Carson, Calif. (Ric Tapia via AP)
San Diego State Aztecs tight end Daniel Bellinger (88) runs a route during the NCAA college football game against the Nevada Wolf Pack, Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021 in Carson, Calif. (Ric Tapia via AP)
Iowa defensive back Dane Belton runs on the field during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Illinois, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Iowa defensive back Dane Belton gets set for a play during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Michigan State, Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020, in Iowa City, Iowa. Iowa won 49-7. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Iowa defensive back Dane Belton (4) signals after a Southern California fumble during the second half of the Holiday Bowl NCAA college football game Friday, Dec. 27, 2019, in San Diego. Iowa won 49-24. (AP Photo/Orlando Ramirez)
Iowa's Dane Belton during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021, in Ames, Iowa. (AP Photo/Justin Hayworth)
Iowa defensive back Dane Belton runs on the field during an NCAA college football game against Nebraska, Friday, Nov. 27, 2020, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Iowa defensive back Dane Belton reacts after making an interception against Maryland during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Oct. 1, 2021, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Iowa defensive back Dane Belton (4) gets set for a play during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Kent State, Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Iowa defensive back Dane Belton (4) sets prior to a play at the line of scrimmage during the Big Ten championship NCAA college football game against Michigan, Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, in Indianapolis. Michigan won 42-3. (Aaron Doster via AP)
Iowa defensive back Dane Belton (4) gets set for a play during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Purdue, Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021, in Iowa City, Iowa. Purdue won 24-7. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Iowa defensive back Dane Belton runs on the field during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Illinois, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Indiana linebacker Micah McFadden (47) ih action during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Michigan State, Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021, in Bloomington, Ind. Michigan State won 20-15. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Indiana linebacker Micah McFadden lines up against Maryland during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021, in College Park, Md. Maryland won 38-35. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Indiana linebacker Micah McFadden (47) in action during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Ohio State, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019, in Bloomington, Ind. Ohio State won 51-10. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Indiana linebacker Micah McFadden (47) ih action during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Michigan State, Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021, in Bloomington, Ind. Michigan State won 20-15. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Indiana's Micah McFadden (47) intercepts a pass intended for Maryland's Brian Cobbs (15) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 28, 2020, in Bloomington, Ind. Indiana won 27-11. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Indiana University linebacker Micah McFadden, right, and defensive back Reese Taylor, converge on Western Kentucky University wide receiver Craig Burt Jr. during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021, in Bowling Green, KY. IU held on to beat WKU 33-31. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Indiana linebacker Micah McFadden (47) tackles Michigan running back Karan Higdon (22) in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Indiana linebacker Micah McFadden (47) sacks Northwestern quarterback Aidan Smith (11) in the backfield during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019, in Bloomington, Ind. Indiana won 34-3. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)
Indiana's Micah McFadden (47) celebrates with Weston Kramer (99) and Demarcus Elliott (94) after McFadden recovered a fumble after during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Cincinnati, Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021, in Bloomington, Ind. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Purdue's King Doerue (22) is tackled by Indiana linebacker Micah McFadden (47) and defensive back Marcelino McCrary-Ball (9) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021, in West Lafayette, Ind.(AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Southern Utah running back David Moore III (30) is stopped by Arizona State defensive lineman D.J. Davidson (98) and defensive end Michael Matus (91) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021, in Tempe, Ariz.
Arizona State defensive lineman D.J. Davidson (98) in the first half during an NCAA college football game against Arizona, Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Arizona State defensive players Merlin Robertson (8) D.J Davidson (98) and Darien Butler (20) smother Colorado State tailback Alex Fontenot (8) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept 25, 2021, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Darryl Webb)
Arizona State defensive lineman D J Davidson (04) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 5, 2022. (AJ Mast via AP Images)
Arizona State defensive lineman D J Davidson (04) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 5, 2022. (AJ Mast via AP Images)
Arizona State defensive lineman D J Davidson (04) participates in a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Saturday, March 5, 2022 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Arizona State defensive lineman D J Davidson (04) runs a drill during the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 5, 2022 in Indianapolis. (Kevin Sabitus via AP)
Arizona State defensive lineman D.J. Davidson runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Saturday, March 5, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Arizona State defensive lineman D J Davidson (04) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 5, 2022. (AJ Mast via AP Images)
Arizona State defensive lineman D.J. Davidson runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Saturday, March 5, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
OL Marcus McKethan
OL Marcus McKethan
OL Marcus McKethan
North Carolina offensive lineman Marcus McKethan, right, demonstrates his skills for NFL scouts during Pro Day, Monday, March 28, 2022, in Chapel Hill, N.C. (AP Photo/Chris Seward)
North Carolina offensive lineman Marcus McKethan runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 4, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
North Carolina offensive lineman Marcus McKethan (32) participates in a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, March 4, 2022. (AP Photo/Steve Luciano)
North Carolina offensive lineman Marcus McKethan, right, demonstrates his skills for NFL scouts during Pro Day, Monday, March 28, 2022, in Chapel Hill, N.C. (AP Photo/Chris Seward)
North Carolina offensive lineman Marcus McKethan runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 4, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
North Carolina offensive lineman Marcus McKethan runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 4, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
North Carolina offensive lineman Marcus McKethan runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 4, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Cincinnati Bearcats linebacker Darrian Beavers (0) runs with the ball during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Murray State Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)
Cincinnati Bearcats linebacker Darrian Beavers (0) defends during the Cotton Bowl NCAA College Football Playoff semifinal game against Alabama, Friday, Dec. 31, 2021 in Arlington, Texas. Alabama won, 27-6. (Ric Tapia via AP)
National Team linebacker Darrian Beavers of Cincinnati runs through drills during practice for the Reese's Senior Bowl Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2022, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Cincinnati linebacker Darrian Beavers chases after a Navy player during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021, in Annapolis, Md. Cincinnati won 27-20. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
National Team linebacker Darrian Beavers of Cincinnati (56) in an NCAA college football game Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Cincinnati linebacker Darrian Beavers (0) covers during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Tulane in New Orleans, Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021. Cincinnati won 31-12. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
National Team linebacker Darrian Beavers of Cincinnati runs through drills during practice for the Reese's Senior Bowl Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2022, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Cincinnati linebacker Darrian Beavers (0) covers during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Tulane in New Orleans, Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021. Cincinnati won 31-12. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
National Team linebacker Darrian Beavers of Cincinnati runs through drills during practice for the Reese's Senior Bowl Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2022, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Cincinnati linebacker Darrian Beavers runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL football scouting combine, Saturday, March 5, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Although Ezeudu enjoyed more success in the run game, McKethan displayed more dominance in pass protection.
McKethan started all 25 games at right guard over the last two seasons, earning All-ACC Honorable Mention honors each year. On 514 pass block snaps in 2021, he surrendered a mere two sacks, one QB hit and seven hurries, which helped him earn an impressive 86.3 pass block grade from PFF.
In addition to his strong stats, McKethan also stands in at 6-foot-6, 340-pounds, and as the saying goes, 'you can't teach size.'
"We have Darrell Moody on our staff, who was a 19-year pro scout," Brown said. "When we were talking about who's going to get drafted last spring, he said 'Marcus is going to be drafted. They're going to draft size.' He's got length, he's got bulk. You just don't see men that big very often, and especially that can move that quickly."
During his time at North Carolina, McKethan saw limited action at right tackle during the 2020 campaign. With his size and power, along with his high football IQ, Brown believes McKethan could play guard or tackle at the next level.
"Marcus is really smart, and like Josh, he's a great young person," Brown said of the Giants' fifth-round pick. "The city of New York is going to be better because these young people are there. They're givers, they give back in so many ways. But they're smart and they want to do well and they're driven. Marcus lost his brother in a car accident right before the draft, and he just handled it. That's the kind of person he is.
"But he's another guy that could play guard or, he wouldn't be a center, but he could play the guard or tackle positions because of his length. As limited as NFL teams are with the number of guys they have, I think that was another key for them drafting Marcus was that they felt like he could play multiple places."
North Carolina ranked 18th in the nation with 212.5 rushing yards per game last season, and they finished 11th with 235.8 yards on the ground per game in 2020.
During that same span, Brown has seen three of his running backs get drafted. Javonte Williams (35th overall to the Broncos) and Michael Carter (107th to the Jets) were taken in the first half of the 2021 NFL Draft, while Ty Chandler (169th to the Vikings) was selected this past weekend.
The UNC coach doesn't think it is a coincidence that all three backs enjoyed such successful collegiate careers running behind the two Giants' draft picks.
"It's mostly them," Brown said in reference to Ezeudu and McKethan's impact on the run game. "You go back and look at it, and obviously all three backs are playing in the NFL with Ty going to Minnesota. But you have to have some holes, and those guys did it. I think we rushed for 675 yards against Miami two years ago, and those are really great players at Miami. That just doesn't happen. We led the league in rushing for most of the last three years…
"I see it in both of these young guys. Both Josh, we call him EZ, but both Josh and Marcus are driven. They love football, they're passionate… The NFL is tough. It's hard to make it, it's hard to sustain it, and it's hard to sustain it for a lot of years. But I think both of these young guys are in a position to do that."
