Reynolds, Foster selected in fifth round

North Carolina offensive tackle Garrett Reynolds and wide receiver Brooks Foster had to wait a little bit longer than some of their teammates to hear their names selected in this weekend's NFL Draft, but it proved to be worth the wait, as Reynolds and Foster were called within five picks of one another Sunday afternoon by a pair of NFC rivals.

Reynolds was the No. 156 overall selection of the Draft (20th of the fifth round) by the Atlanta Falcons, while Foster was the No. 160 pick (24th of the fifth round) by the St. Louis Rams.

Although there were some concerns on the part of some NFL franchises about Reynolds' strength, nobody can deny his work ethic and pro bloodlines.

His father and uncle both played professional football, and he himself was a three-year starter for the Tar Heels, earning second-team All-ACC honors as a senior in 2008.

"Garrett Reynolds is a tough kid," said UNC head coach Butch Davis. "He's physical. He's a grinder. He is truly a throwback. He is a kid that would have fit in any generation of football players. He could have played for Bear Bryant at Junction, and he can play in 2010 in the NFL. He's a heck of a player."

Foster underwent offseason knee surgery, which possibly lowered his draft positioning, but he enjoyed a solid career at North Carolina, finishing with 97 career receptions for 1,237 yards and six touchdowns.

As a senior Foster caught 30 passes for 334 yards and two touchdowns---including the game-winning grab in a late September win at Miami.

In addition to his on-field production, Foster set UNC wide receiver records in the weight room for bench press (405 pounds) and power clean (353 pounds), which proved appealing to the Rams.

"I think there's a big ceiling on him," said Coach Davis of Foster. "I think he's going to continue to improve."