Pitt’s MJ Devonshire Has Advantage Entering NFL.

Pitt Panthers cornerback M.J. Devonshire will enjoy a competitive edge over other rookies due to his familiarity with the college system.

In Pittsburgh, former Pitt Panthers cornerback M.J. Devonshire experienced a wait until the final round of the 2024 NFL Draft before learning he’d join the Las Vegas Raiders. Despite his late selection, Pitt’s head coach, Pat Narduzzi,

is confident that Devonshire will possess an advantage over other rookies in the NFL, thanks to his experience with Pitt’s system, which heavily emphasized press man coverage.

“At the University of Pittsburgh, our cornerbacks are committed to pressing every down,” Narduzzi shared with Hondo Carpenter on a recent episode of the Las Vegas Raiders Insider Podcast. “We maintain a consistent press,

occasionally bailing out, but predominantly staying in your face. With M.J., we already know he possesses speed, which is paramount for a press cornerback. While you may occasionally get beaten at the line of scrimmage, the key

is to recover with speed, especially against fade routes. M.J. excels at pressing and disrupting routes.”

Narduzzi is convinced that the challenges faced by Devonshire at Pitt, particularly in press coverage without significant safety assistance, have forged him into a fearless player. According to Narduzzi, this experience has primed Devonshire for the demands of professional football from day one.

“The most crucial attribute M.J. brings to the Raiders and their defense is his fearlessness,” Narduzzi emphasized. “While other corners may alternate between playing press and off-coverage or soft zones like Cover 3, M.J. is accustomed to the press. When they instruct him to press in camp, he’ll respond confidently, knowing it’s a role he can execute proficiently all day.”

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