| 30 April 2012
Despite the success of several Pitt players in the NFL this season, the program's reputation wasn't enough to get one of Pitt's 2012 senior class drafted in this weekend's NFL draft.
This is the first time Pitt was shut out of the draft since 1999 and it's only one year after Jon Baldwin was taken in the first round by the Kansas City Chiefs. Pitt has produced four first round picks since 2004 (Fitzgerald, Revis, Otah, Baldwin).
By conference, the SEC had the most players selected. The ACC was third and the Big East was tied for sixth with the Mountain West, ironic given their constant comparisons.
For the newest ex-Panthers, it wasn't a particularly enjoyable weekend. Turns out, sitting and waiting to hear your name called is only fun if it actually gets called (via the Trib):
Lindsey said watching the draft was no fun.
“I stopped watching after a while,” he said.
Alecxih said he watched every minute of the draft.
“It was horrible — like the worst experience ever,” he said. “But things happen for a reason. I’m going to make the team.”
Not getting drafted isn't the end of the line, however. Seven of Pitt's players have already signed as free agents with various teams around the league. Here's the list, courtesy of Pantherlair:
- Chas Alexcih - Miami Dolphins
- Max Gruder - Atlanta Falcons
- Buddy Jackson - Indianapolis Colts
- Brandon Lindsey - Pittsburgh Steelers
- Lucas Nix - Oakland Raiders
- Antwuan Reed - Cleveland Browns
- Greg Williams - Houston Texans
For what it's worth, NFL.com has Nix as one of their best players to go undrafted.
Best of luck to all of them.
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