Pitt shut out of NFL draft for first time since 1999

For the first time in more than a decade, senior Pitt football players were shut out of the… For the first time in more than a decade, senior Pitt football players were shut out of the National Football League Draft.

The last time the Panthers were shut out of the NFL Draft, the football team was preparing to play its last season at Pitt Stadium in 1999.

But despite not hearing their names called in the NFL’s annual three-day, seven-round selection meeting, seven former Panthers signed as undrafted free agents with NFL teams almost immediately following the conclusion of the draft.

Starting offensive lineman Lucas Nix, who was projected to be picked in the third or fourth round in some mock drafts, signed with the Oakland Raiders after turning down offers from several other teams.

Aliquippa native and defensive end Brandon Lindsey will be staying in his home city after agreeing to terms with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Chas Alecxih, another starting member of Pitt’s defensive line last season, signed with the Miami Dolphins.

Linebackers Greg Williams and Max Gruder accepted invitations to training camp from the Houston Texans and Atlanta Falcons, respectively. Defensive backs Antwuan Reed and Buddy Jackson signed deals with the Cleveland Browns and Indianapolis Colts, respectively.

Recently, former Pitt fullback Henry Hynoski proved that undrafted players can still succeed immediately at the highest level of professional football.

After not being selected in last year’s draft, Hynoski signed with the New York Giants. By the end of the season, he had earned the Giants’ starting fullback job as he helped the franchise win its fourth Super Bowl title.