The Las Vegas Raiders have added former Pitt Panthers starting cornerback M.J. Devonshire to their practice squad, as reported by Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston.
#Raiders sign M.J. Devonshire to practice squad
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 30, 2024
M.J. Devonshire’s Journey from Pitt to the Raiders.
The Las Vegas Raiders selected cornerback M.J. Devonshire from the University of Pittsburgh with the 229th overall pick in the 7th round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Devonshire initially made the Raiders’ 53-man roster but was cut the following day. He has since been signed to the Raiders’ practice squad, giving him an opportunity to earn playing time later in the season.
College Career at Pitt.
Devonshire, a native of Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, began his college career at the University of Kentucky in 2019 before transferring to Pitt after two seasons. Over the next three years, he revived his career with the Panthers, playing in 38 games and starting 18 at cornerback in his final two seasons.
In 2021, Devonshire played a key role as Pitt won their first ACC Championship and earned a Peach Bowl berth. He made 18 tackles, one interception, and defended five passes. The following year, he started nine games at cornerback and served as the primary punt returner. Devonshire recorded 34 tackles, three interceptions, 11 pass breakups, and a punt return touchdown, earning All-ACC punt returner honors.
Devonshire’s senior season in 2023 was his best yet. He started nine games, making 32 tackles and a team-high four interceptions[1]. Devonshire led the ACC with 14 passes defended and finished second with 1.17 passes defended per game[1]. He also returned an interception 86 yards for a touchdown against Louisville, helping Pitt upset the 14th-ranked Cardinals 38-21.
Over his four-year college career, Devonshire totaled 83 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, eight interceptions (three returned for touchdowns), and 21 pass breakups.
Opportunity with the Raiders.
Despite being cut from the Raiders’ initial 53-man roster, Devonshire has been signed to the team’s practice squad. This gives him a chance to continue developing and potentially earn a spot on the active roster later in the season. The Raiders have a need at cornerback, with just four currently on the active roster and one on the practice squad. If Devonshire can build on his impressive college career, he may soon get his opportunity to contribute at the NFL level.
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