Typically I focus more on college football, but with this past weekend’s NFL draft in Nashville, Tennessee it’s worth taking a look at some former Panthers that will be continuing their career professionally.  Traditionally at least a couple of former Panthers are selected at the event, with an average of 2-3 getting selected in each draft since 2014. There weren’t as many potential prospects from Pitt as in the past, but Qadree Ollison’s selection in the 5th round meant that the Panthers had a player selected for the 6th consecutive year. Despite no other picks, Ollison and several other former Panthers who signed free agent deals will have the opportunity to continue their football careers in the NFL.

After rushing for nearly 3,000 yards in a four year career with the Panthers, Qadree Ollison will begin his professional career with the Atlanta Falcons. The 2016 NFC Champions made Ollison their 5th pick of this year’s draft, taking him with the 14th pick of the 5th round (152nd overall). While I wasn’t surprised to see Ollison get drafted, this is actually a little earlier than I had expected. His injury in the Sun Bowl had held him out of expected appearances in a couple of postseason all star games, which could have affected his draft stock. Ollison is the 14th Pitt player and 2nd Running Back to be drafted since 2013, the last year that no Panthers were selected. He’s also the first Pitt Running Back to be drafted since the Pittsburgh Steelers drafted James Conner in the 3rd round in 2017. Additionally, he’s the first Pitt player drafted by the Atlanta Falcons since they selected the late Bill Fralic with the 2nd overall pick in 1985.

It’s also worth noting that another former Pitt Running Back has a history with the Falcons. Though Craig Heyward was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the 1st round of the 1988 draft, he arguably had his best professional years in Atlanta from 1994 to 1996. During those 3 seasons, Heyward rushed for 2,183 yards, more than the 1,813 yards he had in his 5 seasons with the Saints. Additionally, his only Pro Bowl season came as a member of the Falcons in 1995. It remains to be seen if Ollison will have the success in Atlanta that Heyward enjoyed, but he will certainly have an opportunity. With the departure of Tevin Coleman, who signed with the San Francisco 49ers in Free Agency, there is an open spot in the Falcons’ backfield that Ollison should have a decent shot at filling.

Qadree Ollison isn’t the only former Panther who will have an opportunity to play in the NFL, despite him being the only one drafted. As of Sunday afternoon, seven had signed deals as undrafted Free Agents with NFL teams.

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