PITTSBURGH—The Panthers’ momentum continued on Day 3 of the 2024 NFL Draft with two more players hearing their name called.
Wide receiver Bub Means was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the fifth round (170th overall pick), while cornerback M.J. Devonshire was taken by the Las Vegas Raiders in the seventh round (229th).
They join offensive tackle Matt Goncalves, who was a third-round pick (79th) by the Indianapolis Colts on Friday evening.
Pitt has had at least one player selected in 11 consecutive NFL drafts dating back to 2014.
A total of 28 Pitt players have been drafted during Coach Pat Narduzzi’s tenure (since 2015).
Following his 2022 transfer from Louisiana Tech, Means (Lovejoy, Ga./Lovejoy) was a prominent member of Pitt’s receiver rotation, playing in 25 games with 17 starts. In two seasons at Pitt, he compiled 68 catches for 1,122 yards (17.6 avg.) and eight touchdowns. The 2023 campaign was his most productive. Means led the Panthers in receiving yards (721) and TD catches (six) on a career-high 41 receptions.
“Over his two seasons with us, Bub continuously improved everything about his game, especially the little things that make for a great receiver,” Narduzzi said. “He showed this past year he’s the type of guy who can take the top off a defense. His stock really rose during this draft process and I know the Saints got a really good player.”
A 2023 All-ACC performer, Devonshire (Aliquippa, Pa./Aliquippa) led the Panthers with four interceptions and 10 pass breakups this past season. His four interceptions marked the most in a season by a Pitt defender since 2012.
Devonshire led the ACC in PBUs (1.17 per game) and interception return yards (115), while ranking second in interceptions (0.33 per game). He concluded his Pitt career with three interception returns for touchdowns, tying the all-time Pitt record.
“M.J. is prepared for the NFL because we put him out there on an island his entire career,” Narduzzi said. “He knows how to handle that responsibility and pressure. There’s a reason M.J. had all those pick sixes at Pitt—he has excellent instincts, great hands and game-changing speed. He continues the great tradition of Pitt and Aliquippa defensive backs going to the league.”
Free Agent Updates:
Cornerback A.J. Woods was signed by the Washington Commanders on Saturday.
Source: E.J. Borghetti/Pitt Athletics