Pitt Panthers cornerback M.J. Devonshire had his dreams come true when the Las Vegas Raiders drafted him with the No. 229 pick in the Seventh Round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Raiders general manager Tom Telesco called Devonshire to let him know they were selecting him, expressing his excitement about the pick. Devonshire, overwhelmed with joy, expressed his gratitude and excitement during the call. His family and friends, including former Pitt linebacker SirVocea Dennis, were present to support him. Devonshire, who transferred to Pitt after starting his collegiate career at Kentucky, had an impressive record during his time with the Panthers, earning All-ACC punt returner and Second Team All-ACC honors. He becomes the 37th Pitt defensive back to earn a draft selection since 1971 and the ninth since head coach Pat Narduzzi took over in 2015. He also marks the ninth player from Aliquippa High School to earn a selection in the NFL Draft and the first pick from Pitt by the Raiders since 2021.

By the Numbers
  • Selected by Las Vegas Raiders with the No. 229 pick in the Seventh Round of the 2024 NFL Draft
  • Finished his time with the Panthers with 83 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, eight interceptions, and 21 pass breakups
  • 37th Pitt defensive back to earn a draft selection since 1971
State of Play
  • M.J. Devonshire expressed overwhelming joy and gratitude during the call with Raiders' general manager Tom Telesco
  • His family and friends, including former Pitt linebacker SirVocea Dennis, were present to support him during the call
  • Devonshire transferred to Pitt after starting his collegiate career at Kentucky and had an impressive record during his time with the Panthers, earning All-ACC honors
Bottom Line

M.J. Devonshire's emotional and celebratory draft call with the Raiders marks a significant milestone in his football career, highlighting his hard work and accomplishments as a Pitt Panthers cornerback.