PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – It took longer than any of them hoped, but the Panthers ended up with six players drafted and a few others signing as free agents.
The first drafted was DE Patrick Jones in the third round to Minnesota coming off a consensus All-American season and 24 tackles for loss in the last two seasons.
DE Rashad Weaver joined Bud Dupree in Tennessee coming back from injury for 7.5 sacks and drafted in the fourth round.
Corner Jason Pinnock went in the fifth round to the Jets. A Connecticut native, not too far from home for the 6’ defensive back who wowed scouts at the Pitt Pro Day.
Opting out last season really hurt defensive lineman Jaylen Twyman, falling to the sixth round and joining Jones with the Vikings. His last season at Pitt, Twyman had 12 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks.
Later in the sixth round, Central Catholic’s Damar Hamlin joined Quaker Valley’s Dane Jackson in the secondary in Buffalo. Stats at Pitt-290 tackles, 27 passes defended, 6 interceptions.
Center Jimmy Morrissey was the second pick in the seventh round, landing in Las Vegas with the Raiders. Morrissey started 47 games and was three time All-ACC.
Kicker Alex Kessman signed a free agent contract with the Chargers. Safety Paris Ford is also in LA as the Steel Valley star joins Aaron Donald with the Rams. Versatile offensive lineman Bryce Hargrove signed with Atlanta. First team All-ACC returner, receiver DJ Turner joins Morrissey with the Raiders.