Predicting Where Pitt Players Fall in NFL Draft
PITTSBURGH -- The Pitt Panthers enjoyed another successful season, ending 2022 with nine wins and a ranking in the final AP Poll for the second straight year. That in-season success will spill over into the spring, where they expect to see a handful of their stars from the 2021 and 2022 teams hear their names called in Kansas City, the site of this year's NFL Draft.
Here are five Panthers with the best odds to be selected and teams they would fit in well with.
Calijah Kancey, Defensive Tackle
Round 1, Pick 18 - Detroit Lions
The size concerns are obvious and perhaps the top-10 buzz that had been surrounding Kancey earlier in the draft process was unwarranted but don't let a little bit of overzealous hype distract from the most important thing about Calijah Kancey - he was one of the most productive players at his position throughout his collegiate career.
The Lions need help on their defensive line and, while Kancey might be limited to rushing passers in his first year, he is still the kind of instant-impact player that they need in their defense.
Israel Abanikanda, Running Back
Round 3, Pick 90 - Dallas Cowboys
Abanikanda is the kind of player that can make an immediate impact for just about every team that might draft him. His blend of speed and strength combined with competent pass-catching abilities makes him a tantalizing prospect for any team in need of a running back when the second or third round arrives.
That said, Abanikanda is young and raw, which means a team with an established starter is likely the best spot for him right now. That's why the Cowboys with Tony Pollard's $10 million contract set to expire at the end of next season, Dallas could use a cheap replacement that can earn a year of low-pressure experience before taking on a top back role.
Carter Warren, Offensive Tackle
Round 5, Pick 174 - Las Vegas Raiders
Warren's midseason meniscus injury slowed the momentum he had built in 2020 and 2021, when he was on his way to becoming one of the top offensive tackles in the draft class, but it doesn't erase his measurables and physical skills. He is big and wide with long arms and mobile feet, all things that helped him swallow defenders hellbent on wrecking Kenny Pickett and Kedon Slovis.
The Raiders have a lot of needs - offensive tackle among them. If they follow conventional wisdom and use their top pick on a quarterback, Warren would be a nice value addition in the fifth round - cheap, but talented and bearing the size to be a day-one contributor if called upon. Warren's likely to be underrated in this draft.
SirVocea Dennis, Linebacker
Round 6, Pick 192 - New England Patriots
Dennis has been a fast riser during his NFL Draft process. Buzz was quiet when he first declared and while he sat out of drills at the NFL Combine with a foot injury he suffered during the Senior Bowl, but when teams got to speak with him, they raved about his intelligence and after he tested remarkably well at his pro day, Dennis is in position to earn some money this weekend.
The Patriots and Bill Belichick are the type of team to appreciate Dennis' smarts and willingness to play special teams more than most. He'll thrive in that environment and have a chance to work his way up to some real defensive snaps with New England short on linebackers and flushed with sixth round picks.
Habakkuk Baldonado, Defensive End
Round 7, Pick 252 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Baldonado did not quite live up to expectations this season, his final in a Pitt uniform. Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi will tell you that Baldonado was inches away from recording those sacks and tackles for loss that made him a much more attractive draft candidate earlier in his career. That said, Baldonado still should hear his name called this weekend, albeit a little later than he might have hoped.
Even without Tom Brady, the Bucs are aging, particularly on the defense. Draft Baldonado and they get a player with an NFL-ready body that can - if nothing else - rush the passer. He's a guy that can sneak his way into some pass-rush reps while cutting his teeth in special teams and practices behind some of those seasoned veterans who may be on their way out soon.
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