NC State players head to the NFL. Some were drafted, others are free agents
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- At least one NC State player has been drafted in 11 straight seasons.
- Justin Joly and Brandon Cleveland selected on third day of NFL Draft.
- Seven NC State players signed undrafted free agent contracts.
Several N.C. State players officially entered the professional ranks this weekend after being selected in the NFL Draft or by signing free agent contracts.
The Las Vegas Raiders selected nose tackle Brandon Cleveland in the seventh round with the 229th pick. He joined teammate tight end Justin Joly, who was selected by the Denver Broncos at the 152nd overall pick.
At least one N.C. State player has been drafted in 11 straight seasons. Head coach Dave Doeren’s resume boasts a draft pick in all but one season at the helm.
Cleveland spent his entire career at N.C. State, working his way from a backup to a key starter for the Wolfpack. He played nearly every game at nose tackle and was an unsung hero on the defensive line.
The senior logged 107 tackles, six sacks, one pass deflection and a pair of forced fumbles during his career. Cleveland was invited to the NFL Combine where he performed the 40-yard dash (5.12) and 10-yard split (1.78).
Cleveland is strong and stout, with the ability to disrupt opposing players by sheer force. However, scouting reports said he lacks similar length and speed that similar prospects possess, which dropped him in the draft class. With his selection, he is expected to be a rotational player at nose tackle.
During the 2025 ACC Kickoff, Cleveland acknowledged his position doesn’t pad the stat sheet and can be overlooked. He said, however, he measures success by the success of other players.
“If I knock the center back and Caden [Fordham] comes in through the gap and makes the tackle, I feel like that’s the play that I made for our cause,” Cleveland said. “Plays that you deny from happening is how I measure my success.”
Cleveland also complimented now-second year defensive coordinator DJ Eliot. The senior said Eliot’s experience in the NFL, even before the season began, was helpful for the players. He showed them pro film and set an example of how to operate in a professional organization.
“It’s great to have an NFL coach that’s been with the Eagles and the best of the best,” Cleveland said. “We’re in college, but you want to prepare like you’re in the pros, because that’s what we’re trying to get to. “You have to have an elite level of coaching.”
Cleveland also received recognition throughout his college career for his community service efforts and connection with the fanbase.
He and Joly were not the only ones to reach the next level. Seven N.C. State players signed undrafted free agent contracts, giving them an opportunity to make a roster.
Cian Slone, Las Vegas Raiders
Slone, from Rocklin, California, played one season for N.C. State after transferring from Utah State. He was effective in an edge rusher and hybrid linebacker role.
“I love the school, the staff, everyone over there, but I thought it was in the best interest of me to transfer here,” Slone said after N.C. State’s Pro Day in March. “The spot that I played here last year was like the outside linebacker role, which you see a lot in the NFL. To put that on tape and to compete against the best was a great opportunity.”
The graduate student finished with a defensive grade of 76.3, ranking third on the team, and was second in coverage (87.3) behind Devon Marshall. He recorded 138 career tackles, including a career-high 61 at N.C. State, 11 sacks, six passes defended and a pair of fumble recoveries. He had 7.5 sacks last year alone.
One of the senior’s key moments in a Wolfpack uniform took place during the team’s 35-31 win over Virginia, when Slone made the game-winning interception in the end zone.
He is listed at 6-4 and 250 pounds and some analysts believe Slone could be a contributor for the Raiders in rotation or on special teams.
Sabastian Harsh, Houston Texans
Like his edge rushing counterpart, the Wyoming transfer was also a one-and-done senior with the Wolfpack but made his mark quickly and aggressively. Harsh was one of the best draft-eligible edge rushers in the nation last season.
The senior ranked No. 10 among edge rushers who saw at least 448 snaps for overall defense (86.7), according to Pro Football Focus. Additionally, Harsh ranked in the top 30 for pass rushing (82.6) and top 40 for run defense (80.9).
From Scottsbluff, Nebraska, Harsh closed his collegiate career with 138 tackles, seven sacks, three pass breakups, one pick six and a pair of fumble recoveries.
He is listed at 6-3 and 251 pounds. Though he is not the biggest player, his high-effort and disruptive play is expected to put him in contention for a roster spot.
Devon Marshall, Jacksonville Jaguars
Marshall might have been one of the more underrated defenders signed to an offseason contract.
He recorded two interceptions and six pass breakups in the 21-11 win over Florida State, including four defended passes in the first 15 minutes and 43 seconds. Marshall’s first interception led to N.C. State’s first touchdown of the night.
While he would’ve liked to be drafted, Marshall just wanted a chance to prove he can be valuable in the secondary.
“I’m always gonna have to prove people wrong,” Marshall said. “I’ve always been an underdog. It’s not just not gonna change for the NFL. It doesn’t matter what I did in the season. Still gonna have to work my way to get it to where I want to be.”
The cornerback attended N.C. State for two seasons after spending his freshman and sophomore years at Villanova. He finished his Wolfpack career with 83 tackles, 23 pass breakups and four interceptions.
He notched 143 tackles and 36 pass breakups when including his stats from Villanova. All four interceptions took place while playing for the Pack.
According to Pro Football Focus, Marshall led the Wolfpack with his overall defensive grade (89.8) and in coverage (88.3). The corner ranked top 20 in the nation, among those who played at least 278 snaps in coverage, for his efforts in the secondary. He ranked second in the ACC, behind Miami’s Jakobe Thomas who had an 89.1.
Marshall held opponents to a 43.5% completion rate when playing in coverage.
Caden Fordham, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The best Power Four tackler is headed to the league. Fordham played five seasons at N.C. State, starting at the middle linebacker spot in 2024 and 2025.
The linebacker is from Ponte Vedra, Florida, which is roughly four hours from Tampa.
He was the team’s leading tackler in 2024 before tearing his ACL in October, sidelining him for the remainder of the season. Fordham returned in 2025 and led the Power Four ranks with 143 tackles in 13 games. Oregon’s Bryce Boettcher was second in P4 with 136 tackles in 15 games.
Fordham, listed at 6-1 and 232 pounds, added 3.5 sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and a pair of interceptions.
Beyond his contributions, Fordham received the No. 1 jersey. That is given to the player who exemplifies strong leadership, work ethic and on-field performance.
He is a second-generation pro baller. His father, Tom Fordham, played at Florida State before a 10-year NFL career. He spent time with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Pittsburgh Steelers and Carolina Panthers.
Sean Brown, Tennessee Titans
Brown is a versatile defender who has played at multiple linebacker spots and in the secondary. He started his career at safety, where he played on special teams and in a reserve role in 2021 and 2022.
In 2023, Brown earned a starting spot and was the team’s third-leading tackler. He moved to linebacker a season later due to depth.
Following Fordham’s injury, Brown finished as the team’s leading tackler with 96 stops. He earned All-ACC Honorable Mention for his efforts. Brown missed most of the season after sustaining an injury against Virginia Tech.
He finished his career with 225 tackles, five sacks, nine passes defended, three forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, two interceptions and scored on a blocked punt.
Brown has the ability that could make him useful to the Titans at multiple positions, which featured one of the worst defenses in the regular season.
Wesley Grimes, San Francisco 49ers
The Raleigh native is headed west after signing with the 49ers as a free agent. He spent two seasons at Wake Forest before transferring to N.C. State.
Grimes finished his career with 1,121 receiving yards and nine touchdowns, including a career-high 430 yards in 2025. He also hauled in a personal-best 35.8 yards per game.
His best game of the fall came in the season opener against East Carolina, when he recorded 121 receiving yards.
Grimes scored one of his three touchdowns of the season in the Wolfpack’s 31-7 Gasparilla Bowl win. He grabbed a 31-yard pass and spun into the end zone to score, despite taking a big hit from a defender.
He’s expected to be in a tough spot entering training camp as he attempts to earn a spot in the rotation, which is topped by Mike Evans.
Cody Hardy, New Orleans Saints
Hardy became one of N.C. State’s unsung heroes on offense in 2025, primarily serving as a run blocker.
Listed at 6-5 and 271 pounds, Hardy was one of the best tight ends with at least 200 blocking snaps that was eligible for this year’s draft. He ranked No. 2 in the country for overall offense (80.9), according to Pro Football Focus. He ranked second for run blocking (80.9) and No. 6 for pass blocking (77). PFF indicates he did not allow a sack, QB hit or hurry.
It was his most productive season of college football — he played three years at Elon before joining the Pack — bettering his overall efficiency by at least 26 points in 2025.
He played limited snaps as a receiving tight end, however, catching only six passes for 83 yards and three touchdowns. Hardy recorded two against Georgia Tech.
Hardy was also involved in a fake punt against Duke, moving the chains and extending N.C. State’s drive.
He has plenty of work ahead to prove he is a valuable two-way tight end after running a 4.88 40-yard dash and his limited receiving role impacted his selection.
This story was originally published April 27, 2026 at 3:05 PM.
