Pitt Panthers Football: Jabaal Sheard and Other Former Panthers Prepare for NFL

While the Panthers kicked off the 2011 season last weekend with a win, several former Pitt stars had to wait another week to continue their football careers.

This weekend, the likes of Jabaal Sheard and other former Pitt Panthers are set to make their NFL debuts with their new respective clubs.

As the 2011 season prepares to kickoff, let's take a look at members from last season's Pitt Panthers that made an NFL roster.

Jabaal Sheard, Cleveland Browns

Sheard was a second round pick of the Browns and out of all the Panthers set to debut in the NFL, he is in a spot to possibly have the most immediate success.

The defensive end will see a lot of snaps in Cleveland and could put up some decent numbers.

Jon Baldwin, Kansas City Chiefs

Baldwin was a first round pick of the Chiefs and while he's blessed with talent, he will have to work on overcoming some off the field issues and a little immaturity.

A little scuffle with a teammate may have pushed back his timetable a bit, but Baldwin still could turn into a big play threat in Kansas City.

Dom DeCicco, Chicago Bears

Good for DeCicco, who had a very good career at Pitt, but went undrafted.

He did enough in training camp to impress Bears coach Lovie Smith and found a way to make the roster. He will likely see some time on special teams, but knowing DeCicco, he could find his way onto the field in other situations before long.

Jason Pinkston, Cleveland Browns

Pinkston had a good career at Pitt and like Sheard, will continue his football career in Cleveland.

Also similar to Sheard, he should have the opportunity to make an immediate impact in the NFL. Pinkston is currently listed as the starter at left guard on the Browns depth chart and at a minimum will be in the rotation and should see a lot of snaps.

Henry Hynoski, New York Giants

Hynoski was another former Panther that went undrafted, but his toughness and versatility impressed Giants coach Tom Coughlin enough to make the team.

He should be the starter at fullback for New York and is capable of doing some good things in the NFL.

Dion Lewis, Philadelphia Eagles

The guy Hynoski spent the past two seasons blocking for also found a way to crack the Eagles very talented roster.

While Lewis may not see much time in the backfield during his rookie season, he will have the opportunity to contribute as both a kick and punt returner.