Ex-Panthers land in the big leagues

Although it was a disappointing football season for Pitt last year, the Panthers did manage to… Although it was a disappointing football season for Pitt last year, the Panthers did manage to produce some NFL talent.

Offensive linemen Jeff Otah and Mike McGlynn, along with cornerback Kennard Cox, were selected in April’s NFL Draft, and all have signed with their respective teams.

Otah was the only Panther taken on the first day of the draft, going 19th overall to, fittingly enough, the Carolina Panthers.

He signed a contract for five years and $14 million with about $8.7 million of that guaranteed.

After transferring from junior college at Valley Forge Military Academy, Otah started all 24 games of his Pitt career and was an All-Big East first-team selection last year. He was also invited to play in the Senior Bowl at the end of the season with much of the top-talent in the nation.

Otah is expected to start at right tackle this year for Carolina.

Although Otah won’t have to change the name on the front of his jersey once he begins his NFL career, McGlynn doesn’t have to leave the state to play professionally.

In the fourth round with the 109th pick overall, McGlynn was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles. He signed a contract for four years and an undisclosed amount.

McGlynn was a three-time All-Big East selection while at Pitt and showed a great deal of versatility, splitting time at both guard and tackle. He also served at times as the team’s long snapper during extra points and field goals.

Cox heads up north to Buffalo after being drafted in the seventh round with the 251st overall pick. He’s also signed to a multi-year contract.

He started all 24 games his last two years with Pitt and 47 games total. Cox recorded 98 tackles and two interceptions.

Cox has three cousins also playing in the NFL. He joins his wide receiver Roscoe Parrish in Buffalo, and he’s also related to cornerback Torrie Cox of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and former Pitt Panther Marcus Hudson of the San Francisco 49ers.

Defensive end Joe Clermond and tight end Darrell Strong weren’t selected in the draft, but both signed as free agents. Clermond signed with the Chicago Bears, while Strong signed with the Oakland Raiders.