Pitt Panthers Eye NFL Draft Amid Rising Expectations

Pittsburgh, PA—The anticipation is building as the NFL draft approaches, with 19 Pittsburgh Panthers players selected in the last five drafts. The team’s success has placed them second among all Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) schools in draft picks. Notably, it has been 11 years since a draft occurred without at least one Panther being chosen.

In recent years, the Panthers have seen three former players picked in the first round. However, the 2025 draft class lacks that star power, but it boasts a wealth of experience and potential hidden gems that could catch the attention of NFL teams.

As the draft is set to begin Thursday night, here are three key factors to watch. First, the depth of experience among the players could make them appealing to teams looking for dependable talent. Second, several players have showcased impressive performance throughout their college careers, suggesting they might surprise scouts. Finally, opportunities to prove themselves during team evaluations and workouts could elevate their status ahead of the draft.

While the Panthers face a challenging draft season, those closely following the team remain hopeful as players prepare to embark on their professional careers.