With an eye toward the 2024 draft, NFL scouts will continue monitoring how Pitt players develop

The target number is 11.

That’s the record for the most Pitt players chosen within the first seven rounds of the NFL Draft.

In 1981, after the 1980 team finished 11-1 and mauled South Carolina, 37-9, in the Gator Bowl, 11 Pitt players were drafted in the first five rounds. Hugh Green, Randy McMillan and Mark May were first-round picks.

The Pittsburgh Steelers made it 12 with quarterback Rick Trocano, but that occurred in the 11th round. The draft stops after Round 7 these days.

This year, six Pitt players were selected, tied with 2021, 2004 and 1992 for the most in the past 32 drafts. The total also tied for fifth nationally and first (with Clemson) in the ACC. If you count Jordan Addison, who played his best football at Pitt, Pat Narduzzi’s staff has helped send 15 players into the NFL from the past three drafts.

The 2023 Pitt roster has a chance to approach six drafted players, but the record of 11 might never be broken. Before we make any definitive declarations or wager a significant portion of our paychecks, though, let’s see who stays healthy and how the season evolves.

Meanwhile, here are six players who have a good shot (at the moment):

M.J. Devonshire, cornerback

Devonshire, who played at Aliquippa, was a big-play cornerback in 2022, with two pick-6s and a punt return for a touchdown. The NFL pays attention to players who can change the course of games. He also will have three seasons of steady Power 5 playing time.

Devonshire plays football with confidence, but he doesn’t overdo it — another factor in his favor.

Bangally Kamara, outside linebacker

The 2022 season was his first as a starter, so he still has a lot to learn. That’s where the Pitt coaching staff will play a huge role in Kamara’s future. Pitt’s recent ability to develop draft picks is something the NFL will not overlook.

Kamara plays Pitt’s star position, which is part linebacker, part safety. He could end up with a variety of effective skills to carry into the NFL.

Jake Kradel, center

Kradel, a Butler graduate, has the size (6-foot-3, 305 pounds) and experience (38 starts) to attract NFL eyes.

He also has played right guard. Above almost all else, the NFL values versatility among its offensive linemen.

Plus, Kradel’s personality and respectful demeanor will play well when he sits down with coaches and executives at the 2024 combine.

Matt Goncalves, offensive tackle

If he gets a chance to play left tackle, his stock would rise even higher.

But he’s also a good bet on the right side, where his size (6-6, 315) and the proper coaching at the next level will turn him into a road grader.

Phil Jurkovec, quarterback

So much rides on Jurkovec’s performance this season, personally and for the team.

Pitt needs a solid quarterback who makes the right decisions and turns its passing game into the weapon it was in 2021 (or, at least, approaching that level).

Jurkovec (6-5, 215) has all the physical tools, and he will have the benefit of playing under offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti Jr., who knows what the pros seek in their quarterbacks after years of NFL coaching experience.

Improving even slightly on his 2020 stat line at Boston College (61% completion percentage, 2,558 aerial yards and 17 touchdowns) surely will get him drafted. A total of 14 quarterbacks were chosen this year, nine after Round 3.

Marquis Williams, cornerback

Here’s a guy with plenty of confidence, built the right way — based on experience. He has started 34 games and picked off five passes over the past three seasons.

Bumping up that number close to 50, with a few more interceptions, will help him get noticed.

At 5-9, 180, he’ll need to have an outstanding season, but that’s what Pitt is counting on from Williams.

If Devonshire and Williams are drafted, that will be 10 defensive backs in seven drafts under Narduzzi.