2011 NFL Draft Results: A Pair of Pitt Panthers Hear Their Names Called Early

With the 2011 NFL Draft underway, a pair of Pittsburgh Panthers didn’t have to wait long to hear their names called, culminating a lifelong dream.

Even the news of a stay on the lockout of NFL players likely can’t ruin the spirits of wide receiver Jon Baldwin and defensive end Jabaal Sheard, who were both selected among the first 37 picks of the draft.

In a mild surprise, Baldwin was selected in the first round of the draft Thursday night by the Kansas City Chiefs, 26th overall.

Baldwin likely came into the 2010 season as a top half of the first round guy and could become a big play threat for Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel.

It was thought that Baldwin had no chance at the first round after consistency issues and a streak of immaturity followed him around during the 2010 campaign. The scouting report on the Pitt junior also listed him as a poor route runner, which projected him as a likely second or third round selection.

The Chiefs ignored all of that and instead may have a down field guy that can stretch defense and make big plays at the next level. Standing at 6”5, with great speed (4.4 0-yard dash), with a 42-inch vertical leap; Baldwin immediately becomes a matchup problem for most NFL defensive backs.

Baldwin becomes just the sixth Pitt player since 1990 to be selected in the first round, joining Jeff Otah (2008), Darrelle Revis (2007), Larry Fitzgerald (2004), Ruben Brown (1995) and Sean Gilbert (1992).

He is a two-time All-Big East selection and the first of perhaps seven Panthers expected to be drafted this year.

The second of those was Sheard, who went to the Cleveland Browns with the fifth pick of the second round.

Sheard had a fantastic senior season and played his way up many draft boards with a great pro day. He likely will see most of his time as a down lineman, but scouts were more impressed that Sheard showed the athletic ability to play with his hand off the ground and could also be used as a pass rushing outside linebacker.

Both Baldwin and Sheard should see immediate playing time for their respective new teams.

Although the Panthers didn’t win the Big East in 2010 as many predicted, they have won on draft day so far, as Baldwin and Sheard have been the only two Big East players drafted through the first 54 selections.