Good fit? Bad fit? Prospects for Pitt’s NFL rookies.
Six Pitt players were drafted, four were signed as priority free agents, and Pat Narduzzi’s program had a successful draft weekend. Now that 10 former players have new NFL homes, it becomes a matter of what they’ll do with their opportunities.
We look at where the former Panthers landed and assess their chances.
DE Patrick Jones
Team: Minnesota Vikings Selection: Third round, 90th overall
Fit: Jones has starter-level talent — and for the chance to be a first-teamer right away, he couldn’t have landed in a better spot. The Vikings are secure at left defensive end with two-time Pro Bowl pick Danielle Hunter. But the right end spot is there for the taking. Jones will compete with Stephen Weatherly (six sacks since 2018) and D.J. Wonnum (three sacks in 2020).
DE Rashad Weaver
Team: Tennessee Titans Selection: Fourth round, 135th overall
Fit: The Titans released a statement saying they weren’t aware of the simple assault charge filed against Weaver last Friday until Monday morning. Weaver’s attorney denied the allegations. From a football perspective, Tennessee needed to address its pass rush entering the draft, and Weaver offered upside. The 2020 All-American recorded 14.5 tackles for loss last season.
DB Jason Pinnock
Team: New York Jets Selection: Fifth round, 175th overall
Fit: Zach Wilson, Elijah Moore and Michael Carter headlined the offensive transformation. But New York also acknowledged its secondary, and Pinnock was a part of that. New head coach Robert Saleh has a track record of developing overlooked corners into starters. Look no further than former Pitt standout K’Waun Williams, who was undrafted and later blossomed under Saleh with the San Francisco 49ers.
DT Jaylen Twyman
Team: Minnesota Vikings Selection: Sixth round, 199th overall
Fit: If Twyman returned last season and put up similar numbers to his 10.5-sack campaign in 2019, the opt out might have been a top-60 pick. So at 199th overall, this was a worthy dart throw. Twyman should fit in as a three-technique tackle in Minnesota’s four-man front. By no means is a sixth-rounder expected to contribute right away, but Twyman has a good chance of making the roster.
DB Damar Hamlin
Team: Buffalo Bills Selection: Sixth round, 212th overall
Fit: Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde are entrenched as the starting safeties. But behind them, there’s an opportunity for Hamlin to contribute in sub-packages and on special teams. Hamlin showed his willingness to play both safety spots at Pitt, and he was a productive tackler in whatever situation he found himself, racking up 290 stops in 48 appearances.
C Jimmy Morrissey
Team: Las Vegas Raiders Selection: Seventh round, 230th overall
Fit: The Raiders didn’t need a center … but this one just made sense. Morrissey’s relentless attitude will connect with Jon Gruden, who must have loved the story of Morrissey driving from
Florida to the Senior Bowl on a day’s notice. Morrissey and general manager Mike Mayock also are from outside Philadelphia. Morrissey went to La Salle High School, 30 minutes from Mayock’s Haverford School.
DB Paris Ford
Team: Los Angeles Rams Selection: Undrafted
Fit: Sean McVay’s team entered draft weekend with safety as a need — and over the course of nine picks, they didn’t take a single one. Perhaps they’re banking on Ford to make the roster and provide depth. It won’t be easy; the Rams also signed BYU undrafted safety Troy Warner. But Ford, who trained with Aaron Donald during the pre -draft process, should feel at home with A.D. in L.A.
WR DJ Turner
Team: Las Vegas Raiders Selection: Undrafted
Fit: The Raiders already have former Clemson receiver Hunter Renfrow in the slot. But Gruden and Mayock appreciate experienced players, and Turner brings that to Vegas. The 24-year-old is shifty, too, notably posting 15 catches for 184 yards against Virginia Tech last fall. Perhaps Turner’s return skills will help him stick.
OL Bryce Hargrove
Team: Atlanta Falcons Selection: Undrafted
Fit: Atlanta drafted center Drew Dalman while Michigan
tackle and third-round pick Jalen Mayfield could move inside. Hargrove — a 27game starter at Pitt — feels he can play any position on the line. If he proves that, he’ll be a valuable addition to any team’s practice squad.
PK Alex Kessman
Team: Los Angeles Chargers
Selection: Undrafted
Fit: Michael Badgley was 3 of 12 on field goals over 45 yards last season. Second-year kicker Tristan Vizcaino was brought in as competition, but everyone who has watched Pitt knows what Kessman can do it from distance. Pitt’s alltime leader in field goals (69) is also the NCAA’s most accurate kicker from 50-plus yards.