NFL Draft 2011: When Certain Pitt Panthers Will Hear Their Names Called
When the 2011 NFL draft kicks off Thursday night, the culmination of a dream will come true for several NFL hopefuls.
While players such as Auburn's Cam Newton won't have to wait long to hear their names called, the same can't be said for several Pitt Panthers.
While several Pitt players will hear their names called, it is doubtful any Pitt player, or any Big East player, for that matter, will be chosen in the first round.
Let's take a look at when certain Pitt NFL hopefuls are likely to hear their names called.
DB Dom DeCicco: Seventh Round
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DeCicco is a nice player that teams may want to take a chance on late in the draft. He's likely a seventh-round pick, but could go undrafted.
He's the kind of guy though that could make an NFL team as a special teams guy.
FB Henry Hynoski: Late Sixth, Early Seventh Round
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Hynoski is a multi-talented fullback that would be an asset to many teams. He can block, catch the football and be used as a short-yardage ball-carrier.
Unfortunately, teams won't reach on a guy like Hynoski early. He's likely a seventh-round guy.
DE Greg Romeus: Late Fifth, Early Sixth Round
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A season after winning the Big East Defensive Player of the Year Award, Romeus was saddled by injuries during his senior season.
Had he entered the draft after his junior season, Romeus likely would have been a second- or third-round selection.
When healthy, he can still get to the quarterback, but the injury questions likely have Romeus getting selected towards the end of the draft.
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RB Dion Lewis: Fifth Round
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After two pretty solid seasons as a Panther, Lewis elected to throw his name in the draft. He likely could have used another season at Pitt, but could still be a productive NFL back in the right system.
His size could be an issue to teams, as he is very small, but just looking at his freshman season at Pitt, he has to be intriguing to teams.
He's worth taking a shot on and could wind up being a late-round steal.
Some team could take him in the fifth round, but there is a chance he also could fall to the end of the sixth or seventh round.
OT Jason Pinkston: Late Third, Early Fourth Round
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Pinkston has size, which is appealing to team,s and has played in Dave Wannstedt's pro-style offense for years, which also should translate well to the NFL.
Teams always need lineman that can run block, so Pinkston could be chosen in the middle rounds.
WR Jon Baldwin: Second Round
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Baldwin is very talented. He disappointed last season, but it shouldn't hurt his stock too much this weekend.
He has size, speed and good hands; everything you want in a playmaking wide receiver.
Consistency is a question mark, but you can't ignore his athleticism.
He entered the 2010 season as a potential first-rounder. That won't happen, but he should be chosen in the second round and could become a productive NFL receiver.
DE Jabaal Sheard: Early Second Round
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There have been some whispers of late that Sheard could sneak into the first round, but that's probably unlikely.
Sheard put together a solid career at Pitt and shouldn't have to wait too long into the second round to hear his name called.
A guy that has a knack for getting to the quarterback is an asset for every NFL team.
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.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
