As the 2024 NFL Draft approaches, one university that is sure to gain significant attention from NFL scouts is the University of Pittsburgh, with its storied history of producing NFL talent. The Pitt Panthers, as they're known, have consistently churned out NFL caliber players across various positions, making them a prime target for NFL franchises looking to beef up their rosters with young, promising talent. This year's draft class from Pitt is no exception, with several standout players poised to make an impact at the next level.
Pitt's reputation for developing NFL talent is well-earned, with some notable alumni including Hall of Famer Tony Dorsett, Dan Marino, and Larry Fitzgerald. The 2024 draft class continues this trend, led by a dynamic trio of skill position players who have captured the attention of NFL scouts nationwide.
Impactful Skill Position Players
The Pitt Panthers boast an impressive array of talent on offense, with several skill position players expected to be drafted in the early rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft.
At the quarterback position, Pitt is home to one of the most exciting prospects in the draft, Kenny Pickett. The cannon-armed signal-caller">
Kenny Pickett: The Prodigious Quarterback
Leading the charge is Kenny Pickett, a quarterback who has steadily climbed up NFL draft boards with his impressive performances. A four-year starter for the Panthers, Pickett has proven himself as a clutch passer with a strong arm and excellent mobility. In 2023, he threw for over 4,000 yards and 36 touchdowns, leading Pitt to a 9-3 record and a Rose Bowl berth. Pickett's ability to extend plays with his feet and deliver accurate passes under pressure has drawn comparisons to longtime NFL quarterback Russell Wilson. With a strong performance at the NFL Combine and his pro day, Pickett is expected to be a top-10 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
The chemistry between Pickett and his receivers has been a significant factor in Pitt's offensive success. Among those receivers, Jordan Addison and Nazir Woods have emerged as potential first-round picks in their own right.
Jordan Addison and Nazir Woods: The Dynamic Receiver Duo
Wide receiver Jordan Addison has been a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses throughout his college career. The 2022 Biletnikoff Award winner burst onto the scene with an impressive 1,593 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns in 2022. Despite his smaller frame (5'11", 175 lbs.), Addison's explosive speed, crisp route-running, and exceptional ball skills have NFL teams drooling over his potential. With another standout season in 2023, Addison is expected to be a top-15 pick in the upcoming draft.
While Addison has drawn the lion's share of attention in Pitt's passing game, Nazir Woods has been a consistent threat in his own right. Standing at 6'2", 210 lbs., Woods uses his size and strength to box out defenders and high-point the football. Woods' impressive combination of size, speed, and red-zone prowess have drawn comparisons to former Pitt great and current Philadelphia Eagles WR, Travis Fulgham. With another productive season in 2023, Woods is poised to hear his name called on Day 2 of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Defensive Standouts
Although Pitt's offense has received most of the hype in the lead-up to the 2024 NFL Draft, the Panthers' defense is also loaded with talent and could produce several high draft picks. Among those defenders, defensive lineman Calijah Kancey and linebacker SirVocea Dennis have been turning heads with their consistently impressive performances.
The Panthers' defense was a revelation in 2023, ranking as one of the best units in the country, and a significant reason for Pitt's successful season. Providing the pressure up front and making plays all over the field, Kancey and Dennis are two of the defensive standouts who could hear their names called early in the 2024 draft.
Calijah Kancey: Dominant Force on the Defensive Line
Defensive tackle Calijah Kancey has been a force to be reckoned with in the trenches throughout his college career. The 2022 ACC Defensive Lineman of the Year boasts an impressive combination of strength, quickness, and technique, making him a nightmare for opposing offensive linemen. Kancey's ability to collapse the pocket and create chaos in the backfield has drawn comparisons to Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald. With another dominant season in 2023, Kancey is primed to be a top-20 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
While Kancey has been wreaking havoc up front, SirVocea Dennis has been leading the charge at linebacker. The 2023 ACC Butkus Award winner is a rangy, athletic linebacker with exceptional instincts and tackling ability. Dennis' ability to flow to the ball and hold his own in coverage has drawn praise from NFL scouts, and with a solid performance at the NFL Combine, he could cement himself as a Day 2 pick in the 2024 draft.
Building Blocks on the Offensive Line
Pitt's success in recent years has not only been due to their talented skill position players and defensive standouts but also to the stability and performance of their Offensive Line. The Panthers boast one of the most cohesive and talented O-Line units in college football, with several prospects expected to be drafted in the upcoming NFL Draft.
Leading the charge on Pitt's offensive line is left tackle, Dohnovan West. A four-year starter with exceptional size (6'6", 315 lbs.), strength, and agility, West has been a consistent force in pass protection and run blocking. West's ability to handle edge rushers and create space for Pitt's running game has drawn praise from NFL scouts, and with a strong showing at the NFL Combine, he could solidify himself as a first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
While West has been protecting Pickett's blindside, fellow offensive linemen Graham Hebert and Nelson probabilities have been locking down the interior and right side of the line. Both prospects have proven themselves as reliable blockers with the ability to handle a wide range of defensive techniques. With another strong season in 2023, both linemen are expected to hear their names called on Day 2 or 3 of the 2024 NFL Draft.
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As the 2024 NFL Draft approaches, the Pitt Panthers look set to make a significant impact on the next level. With a loaded roster filled with talent at every position, Pitt is poised to continue its reputation as an NFL pipeline. As these Panthers make their way to the pros, one thing is clear: NFL teams can expect to face fierce competition for years to come. The talent that Pitt is sending to the league in 2024 is just the next wave in a long line of Pitt alumni set to make their mark on the game. As always, the bar is set high for the next crop of prospects to emerge from the Cathedral of Learning, and with the talent currently on display, there's no reason to believe they won't meet or exceed those expectations.