Pitt’s pro day highlighted 12 athletes eligible for the NFL draft at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex on Wednesday. NFL scouts from 31 different NFL teams—excluding the Bengals—and a CFL team came to see Pitt’s players compete in the various events.
While receiver Bub Means and MJ Devonshire got to compete at the NFL combine, most of their fellow Panthers got their only chance to show off their athletic profiles to the NFL scout community to boost their draft stock before the NFL Draft begins Thursday, April 25.
Among the most talked about athletes who participated, cornerback A.J. Woods and Means both were among the biggest highlights for NFL scouts. Woods tested extremely well in several events that would’ve placed him among the best athletic profiles for cornerbacks at the combine. While Means didn’t participate in most events, his size, increased weight and speed he showed at the combine make him an interesting prospect for NFL teams.
Here’s a rundown of all the players who participated, with their measurements, performances and insights, as well as comparisons to NFL competition and quotes from their day.
DL Tyler Bentley
- Hand size: 10 inches
- Arm length: 34.25 inches
- Wingspan: 82 inches
- Height: 6-foot-2
- Weight: 285 lbs.
- Bench press reps (225): 18
- Vertical jump: 28 inches
- Broad jump: 8 feet, 11 inches
- 40-yard dash: 5.03
- 20-yard shuttle: not available
- 3-cone drill: 7.81
Insight: Bentley came into Wednesday with a lot to prove and only tested towards the middle of the pack for NFL combine defensive tackles in a portion of his events. Some of his performances—like his 20-yard shuttle—would’ve been the worst among his position at the NFL combine.
Combine that with a lack of dominant size, and Bentley still has a steep hill to climb among defensive linemen coming out to professional football in 2024. However, Bentley did indicate he has a meeting with the Texans.
Quotable: “It was a long process,” Bentley said of his training for Pitt’s pro day. “It was three or four months of just going at it with guys, including David [Green] and Jake Kradel. We’ve been learning a lot, especially from guys coming back from the league to give us nuggets of information. Lucas Krull came back and helped me get better times in my turns, Cal Adomitis helped me with my bench press.”
CB MJ Devonshire
- Hand size: 8.875 inches
- Arm length: 33.5 inches
- Wingspan: 79.125 inches
- Height: 6-foot-1
- Weight: 189
- Bench press reps (225): 10
- Vertical jump: opted out
- Broad jump: opted out
- 40-yard dash: opted out
- 20-yard shuttle: 4.31 seconds
- 3-cone drill: 6.87 seconds
Insight: Devonshire didn’t test in most of his on-field drills, as he was satisfied with his performance at the combine. However, the one event he did perform that he also did at the combine was his 3-cone drill, which he improved significantly from his original time of 7.12 seconds. His new time at Pitt’s pro day would’ve ranked third-best among combine cornerbacks.
That drill, along with his 40-yard dash time, might be the best testing metrics that favor Devonshire’s profile. His tape and knack for big plays still might be the best merits to his potential of being an NFL cornerback. Devonshire indicated he has at least two visits with the Bills and the Steelers in the coming weeks, along with more potential Zoom calls with other NFL teams interested in him.
Devonshire’s draft value projects him to be a lower-round draft pick.
Quotable: “Coach [Archie] Collins does a good job,” Devonshire said of Pitt’s defensive backs coach. “The one thing that separates all of us is our mentality. A lot of guys ask me what makes us good in this system, and I tell them it’s your mentality. A lot of guys go places, and they get to play off [receivers]. But here, you have to sit and press a guy, and you’re in his face all day—one-on-one, with you on an island. You’ve got to have the right mentality to be successful in that.”
TE Malcolm Epps
- Hand size: 9.25 inches
- Arm length: 39.125 inches
- Wingspan: 82.5 inches
- Height: 6-foot-5
- Weight: 257 lbs.
- Bench press reps (225): 9
- Vertical jump: 33 inches
- Broad jump: 9 feet, 9 inches
- 40-yard dash: 4.65 seconds
- 20-yard shuttle: not available
- 3-cone drill: 7.72 seconds
Insight: Epps’ testing would have placed him among the lower combine tight end performers. That, plus his limited playing time at Pitt, won’t help his case to draw attention to his draft profile. But Epps did show off his impressive catch radius during on-field drills, which was what he thought might impress scouts the most.
Quotable: “I showed I’m an elite pass catcher,” Epps said. “I can run sharp routes at my size around 260 [lbs.]. That’s what I showed as a vertical threat downfield and a red zone threat for sure.”
RB C’Bo Flemister
- Hand size: 8.875 inches
- Arm length: 31.375 inches
- Wingspan: 75.5 inches
- Height: 5-foot-11
- Weight: 205 lbs.
- Bench press reps (225): 16
- Vertical jump: 37.5 inches
- Broad jump: 9 feet, 10 inches
- 40-yard dash: 4.50 seconds
- 20-yard shuttle: not available
- 3-cone drill: 6.94 seconds
Insight: Flemister’s performance would’ve placed him in the middle of the pack for the majority of NFL combine running backs. While no specific factor stood out in his testing, his presence as a reliable veteran for the Panthers could get him more looks from scouts either in undrafted opportunities or in other leagues like the CFL or the UFL.
Quotable: Flemister did not speak with media.
OL Matt Goncalves
- Hand size: 9 inches
- Arm length: 33.875 inches
- Wingspan: 81.28
- Height: 6-foot-6
- Weight: 317 lbs.
- Bench press reps (225): 19
- Vertical jump: 30.5 inches
- Broad jump: opted out
- 40-yard dash: 5.06 seconds
- 20-yard shuttle: not available
- 3-cone drill: opted out
Insight: Goncalves acknowledged after the pro day that he only had three weeks to properly train for Pitt’s pro day as he was still recovering from his turf toe injury that ended his 2023 season. While he wasn’t 100 percent, he wanted to show NFL scouts his toughness to endure through that and still compete after not being able to participate in drills at the NFL combine.
Both Goncalves’ 40-yard dash time and vertical jump would’ve placed him in the middle of the pack of combine offensive linemen, but his shuttle time and bench press each would’ve been the worst among participating linemen.
But, Goncalves’ experience playing at every position on the offensive line in college with true NFL size will still make him an NFL prospect that scouts keep an eye on for draft day. Goncalves told the Post-Gazette after his pro day that he’s scheduled to meet with the Steelers on April 3rd. Goncalves is projected to be between a third to a fifth-round pick by many draft experts.
Quotable: “It was definitely a quick turnaround,” Goncalves said of his three weeks of training. “I was confident in my athletic ability to come out and perform. I had to show what I’ve got. It never crossed my mind whether I would or wouldn’t perform today. I knew I would come out and do something. [His foot] isn’t 100 percent yet. It’s still very stiff. But with a little more time rehabbing it and stretching out the tendon, I can get it right.”
“That tells how tough he is,” Pat Narduzzi said of Goncalves. “That’s who Matt is. He’s played with injuries throughout his career. That’s the game of football. He’s tough, and that shows you how even on a short [training time], he was impressive. He may be favoring that toe just a little bit, but it’s just a matter of time [until he’s back to 100 percent.]”
DT David Green
- Hand size: 9.5 inches
- Arm length: 33.125 inches
- Wingspan: 73.25 inches
- Height: 6-foot-0
- Weight: 280 lbs.
- Bench press reps (225): 25
- Vertical jump: 31 inches
- Broad jump: 8-foot-7-inches
- 40-yard dash: 5.06 seconds
- 20-yard shuttle: not available
- 3-cone drill: 7.5 seconds
Insight: Green being a captain for the Panthers certainly helps, and his vertical jump, bench press reps and 40-yard dash time all would’ve ranked towards the middle of NFL combine defensive tackles. His 3-cone drill time was his best performance of the day, as it would’ve been second-best among combine defensive tackles. However, his lack of NFL defensive lineman size means he needed to perform better across the board to put him on the map for NFL scouts.
After the pro day, Green acknowledged he hadn’t been in touch with any NFL teams yet but was ready to consider alternative leagues like the UFL and CFL to continue his football career.
Quotable: “Once we love this game, you’ll do anything,” Green said. “I’ll just continue to keep playing this game. I’m open to all opportunities. As I was driving in this morning, I got teary-eyed because of all the things I’ve been through. To be here, on this stage today, doing what I love, you can’t beat that. It’s truly a blessing.”
TE Phil Jurkovec
- Hand size: 10 inches
- Arm length: 33 inches
- Wingspan: 78.25 inches
- Height: 6-foot-4
- Weight: 243 lbs.
- Bench press reps (225): opted out
- Vertical jump: 33 inches
- Broad jump: 9 feet, 4 inches
- 40-yard dash: 4.94 seconds
- 20-yard shuttle: not available
- 3-cone drill: 7.31 seconds
Insight: Jurkovec’s testing would’ve put him among the lower testing groups for tight ends at the NFL combine. He still has a lot to show before being considered an NFL prospect, which may mean he needs to take his talents to other leagues like the CFL and UFL to show that he can grow into the position.
Quotable: “I think I’ve got soft hands and can catch very well,” Jurkovec said. “I’m working on the types of cuts and more one-on-one reps. I’d love to be able to get into camp and compete ... J.P. Holtz, I got to work with him, and I talked with guys who I played with, like Tommy Tremble, who plays for the Panthers [former Boston College tight end who was Jurkovec’s teammate before joining Pitt].”
OL Jake Kradel
- Hand size: 9.125 inches
- Arm length: 31.5 inches
- Wingspan: 77.375 inches
- Height: 6-foot-3
- Weight: 294 lbs.
- Bench press reps (225): 24
- Vertical jump: 27.5 inches
- Broad jump: 8 feet, 10 inches
- 40-yard dash: 4.97 seconds
- 20-yard shuttle: 4.78 seconds
- 3-cone drill: 7.44 seconds
Insight: Kradel isn’t projected by most NFL Draft experts to be considered on draft day, but his pro day testing would’ve placed him in either the middle of the pack or among the best for several drills. His only poor testing numbers came in his 20-yard shuttle.
But his 40-yard dash would’ve made him the fifth-fastest lineman at the combine, and his 3-cone time would’ve tied him for seventh-best with Kansas State guard Cooper Beebe—ahead of some of the higher-ranked centers in this class like Georgia’s Sedrick Van Pran-Granger and Arkansas’ Beaux Limmer.
While Kradel still might not hear his name called on draft day, he could be a better candidate for an undrafted free agent or have given himself a bigger profile to be considered for the CFL and/or the UFL.
Quotable: “It was my childhood dream to play here,” Kradel said. “To play as much as I did with the team success we had, that was a dream come true. I’m super appreciative of coach Narduzzi for bringing me in, [offensive line] coach [Dave Borbely] and [strength and conditioning coach Michael Stacchiotti] for developing me. Dave Andrews instilled discipline in me. All the people in this building made a huge impact on where I am today and the person I’ve become. I can’t be more thankful.”
WR Bub Means
- Hand size: 10.25 inches
- Arm length: 31.5 inches
- Wingspan: 74.875 inches
- Height: 6-foot-1
- Weight: 227 lbs.
- Bench press reps (225): opted out
- Vertical jump: opted out
- Broad jump: opted out
- 40-yard dash: opted out
- 20-yard shuttle: 4.38 seconds
- 3-cone drill: opted out
Insight: Means has been the biggest rising draft prospect among the Panthers this offseason. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. has repeatedly mentioned Means as a sleeper prospect at wide receiver who NFL teams will take a hard look at for the draft.
That’s largely due to Means’ athleticism and size, which make him unique. His 4.43-second time in the 40-yard dash at the combine put him on the map for several NFL teams, and that led him not to need to compete in most of Pitt’s pro day events. Also, Means was noticeably bigger at Pitt’s pro day, jumping up 15 lbs. from his NFL combine weight.
Means said it was part of his plan to hydrate a lot before the events as part of his regimen to stay in NFL shape, as he wants his normal playing weight to be around 217 lbs.
But with or without that weight, Means’ testing at the combine put him in a great spot to be considered as maybe the first Pitt player to be selected on NFL Draft weekend—potentially as early as the third or fourth round.
Quotable: “I’m a competitor,” Means said about his best attribute. “I try to dominate the person across from me on every rep. That’s what you get out of me. It doesn’t matter the task, I’m always trying to win my one-on-one.”
“What people don’t know about Bub Means is he is a joy to coach,” Narduzzi said. “There’s a lot of guys who can run or block and smart guys, but you want to coach guys who enjoy the game and come to work every day with a smile on their face. Bub Means has been so much fun to coach. There’s never been any issues and every day is a positive day. I don’t think there’s any NFL team that wouldn’t be better with Bub Means in their offense.”
LB Shayne Simon
- Hand size: 9.875 inches
- Arm length: 31.5 inches
- Wingspan: 74.875 inches
- Height: 6-foot-2
- Weight: 229 lbs.
- Bench press reps (225): 23
- Vertical jump: 34 inches
- Broad jump: 9 feet, 8 inches
- 40-yard dash: 4.63 seconds
- 20-yard shuttle: not available
- 3-cone drill: 7.00 seconds
Insight: Simon’s time in the 3-cone drill would’ve been the best among NFL combine linebackers, as well as his amount of bench press reps. The majority of his other testing numbers would have placed him firmly in the middle of the linebacker class.
What might help Simon the most is his experience as Pitt’s Mike linebacker, which gives him the communication skills to help keep a defense on the same page. His performance wasn’t a showstopper, but it was enough to show that he has comparable athleticism to several linebackers who will be considered NFL draft picks in April.
Quotable: “Being versatile and do a lot of different things is my calling card,” Simon said. “Hopefully I continue that, and today was something that allows me to [look good for NFL scouts].”
CB Marquis Williams
- Hand size: 8.5 inches
- Arm length: 30.5 inches
- Wingspan: 71.625 inches
- Height: 5-foot-8
- Weight: 176 lbs.
- Bench press reps (225): 12
- Vertical jump: 34 inches
- Broad jump: 9 feet, 5 inches
- 40-yard dash: 4.62 seconds
- 20-yard shuttle: not available
- 3-cone drill: 6.19 seconds
Insight: The one event Williams performed very well compared to cornerbacks at the combine was the 3-cone drill, where his time would’ve been the best at the position by more than four-tenths of a second faster than the fastest at the combine—Georgia’s Kamari Lassiter.
But Williams’ other performances all would’ve ranked among the bottom of combine participants, and his size will still be something to overcome in the NFL. His best asset to scouts might be the tape from his 44 career starts with the Panthers that shows plenty of examples of him thriving in single coverage. Williams’ ability to change direction and flip his hips to move with quicker receivers is something his 3-cone time suggests would be good, and that was furthered by Williams’ confidence in his on-field drills before scouts.
Quotable: “They wanted to see me move,” Williams said of NFL scouts. “They wanted to see me bend and to see me get in and out of my breaks fast. It’s a blessing to have the ability to move like that while being undersized. I play like I’m 6-foot-3, so it’s a blessing to have those types of intangibles.”
CB A.J. Woods
- Hand size: 8.5 inches
- Arm length: 30.5 inches
- Wingspan: 71.625 inches
- Height: 5-foot-10
- Weight: 187 lbs.
- Bench press reps (225): 16
- Vertical jump: 37.5 inches
- Broad jump: 10 feet, 3 inches
- 40-yard dash: 4.35 seconds
- 20-yard shuttle: 4.18 seconds
- 3-cone drill: 6.56 seconds
Insight: Woods’ time in the 40-yard dash would’ve ranked him as the fifth-fastest cornerback at the NFL combine in March, just two-tenths of a second behind that of Toledo’s Quinyon Mitchell, who is a consensus first-round pick. His time in the 3-cone drill would’ve been the best among cornerbacks, and his performances in the jumping events were each solidly in the upper middle of this year’s class.
Though the six-year player didn’t earn an invite to the NFL combine, he caught NFL scouts’ eyes at the Shrine Bowl earlier this year, and his pro day numbers should further boost his draft stock. Woods hasn’t been considered a consensus draft pick by draft experts through most of the draft process, but his performance Wednesday could’ve changed that status.
Quotable: “Growing up, since I was seven years old, me and my dad would watch the combine every year,” Woods said. “We’d talk about NFL dreams, and I always thought [the combine was] a big part of living this dream. But, obviously, God said this was the path I have to take. I was able to show out today. [Not getting a combine invite] was a big motivating factor for me. I thought I did well, and everything felt smooth.”
Christopher Carter: ccarter@post-gazette.com and @CarterCritiques on X
First Published: March 27, 2024, 11:16 p.m.
Updated: March 27, 2024, 11:19 p.m.