Pitt has already had a couple of its former stars stand out this offseason, performing well at the Shrine Bowl and then at the NFL Combine, but Pro Day is the last chance for everyone.
M.J. Devonshire and Bub Means both performed well at the Shrine Bowl and Combine, and Matt Goncalves was around for both — not able to compete as he rehabbed from in-season toe surgery. A.J. Woods was able to turn a Hula Bowl showing into a Shrine Bowl appearance, too.
The 2024 Pro Day won’t be as eventful as recent seasons, considering there isn’t a first-round pick who will be in attendance (and eight Pitt Panthers were selected over the last two seasons), but there’s still plenty of intrigue.
There are 12 former Pitt Panthers who will be measured, run through drills and meet with NFL personnel.
Pitt Pro Day Participants:
QB/TE Phil Jurkovec
RB C’Bo Flemister
WR Bub Means
TE Malcolm Epps
OT Matt Goncalves
IOL Jake Kradel
DT David Green
DT Tyler Bentley
LB Shayne Simon
CB M.J. Devonshire
CB Marquis Williams
CB A.J. Woods
It remains to be seen whether Devonshire or Means, who both measured and tested well for NFL teams earlier this offseason, will test again. There isn’t much to prove for either NFL hopeful, and if there are two likely selections, Devonshire and Means are up there.
Goncalves, after missing most of his senior season due to a toe injury, will be competing for the first time this offseason. He’s perhaps the top prospect on the list, viewed as a Day 2 selection by some draftniks, and he should measure and test well Wednesday. It wouldn’t be a surprise if he followed in the footsteps of Carter Warren.
Jake Kradel was expected to capitalize on another season as a starter on the offensive line, but a disappointing season has hurt his draft stock. He will have the opportunity to show NFL teams that he has the measurables to match his experience.
Devonshire and Woods have both had the opportunity to compete this offseason, but surprisingly, Marquis Williams will have his one and only shot at Pro Day. He’s been a reliable cornerback and valued team leader just about his entire career at Pitt, and he will need a nice showing.
Shayne Simon put together two solid seasons at Pitt, showcasing versatility as a Mike and Money linebacker and being voted a team captain, but like most of his former teammates, he hasn’t had the chance to showcase his skills either.
It remains to be seen whether Phil Jurkovec will be competing as a quarterback or a tight end, which is crazy to think about considering he was once viewed as a first-round quarterback prospect, way back when, but he is another intriguing addition. If he doesn’t throw, it will be up to someone like Nate Yarnell or Eli Holstein to throw for Means and Malcolm Epps.
The trio of David Green, Tyler Bentley and Devin Danielson may be just a duo now, with Danielson opting to not compete, but the interior defensive linemen will have their last hurrah as Pitt Panthers, too.
C’Bo Flemister, who also emerged as a leader down the stretch for Pitt, will also get a chance to show that he has measurables good enough to garner new looks.
Best of luck to all. I don’t see many pros on the list, besides MJ, AJ and Goncalves Bub measures well, but after watching him for 2 years, I did not see an NFL receiver. With good coaching, Kradel could make a case. A few could play at a lower level, but this was not a strong year for Pitt football. Prove me wrong and chase those dreams young men!
Phil Jurkovec better stick with playing in the WPIAL
He would struggle if it was an arena league workout.