Conner Declares For 2017 NFL Draft

In a move that most expected, Pitt running back James Conner announced that he’ll enter the 2017 NFL Draft.

Conner made this announcement on Twitter with this statement.

https://twitter.com/jamesconner_/status/807648240527142912

This was Head Coach Pat Narduzzi’s reaction to losing his star running back and the unquestioned leader of the Pitt football program.

We will always love #ConnerStrong pic.twitter.com/ujIgna3Wpx

— Pitt Football (@Pitt_FB) December 10, 2016

This means the Pinstripe Bowl on December 28th will be Pitt fans’ last chance to watch Conner in a Panther uniform. Then it’s off to the NFL.

Where will Conner get drafted? That’s anybody’s guess but I’d say he’s likely to go anywhere from the 5th round to the 7th round. Coming back to college made little sense for Conner because he wasn’t likely to change his draft position and adding more carries to his body wasn’t smart.

(Photo by: David Hague)

As far as next year for Pitt, this gives them another scholarship to use and creates an opening for the starting running back position. In 2017, Chawntez Moss, Darrin Hall, Quadree Ollison, Todd Sibley and possibly another recruit will compete to try and replace #24.