CBS Sports Rates Pitt 2013 NFL Draft Prospects

We just wrapped up the 2012 NFL Draft not all that long ago, but sites are already talking about 2013. CBS Sports is looking at the top prospects for each team and identified the top five for Pitt.

Ray Graham topped the list, obviously, but there are some interesting observations with other picks.

The thing that jumped out right away to me was more hype for wide receiver Devin Street. Back in May, I identified a site that predicted that not only would Street leave early, he'd be a first-round pick. That seemed pretty crazy to me, but then another site said he'd go highly as well.

I just don't see it unless Street has a huge year. And with the questions at quarterback, I'm not sure how likely that is. But add CBS Sports to the list of sites that believe the hype as they call Street Pitt's second-best prospect for the 2013 Draft:

While Pitt running backs generally earn most of the headlines, the Panthers have been nearly as effective in churning out quality wideouts over the past 20 years, producing the likes of Larry Fitzgerald, Antonio Bryant and the Kansas City Chiefs' 2011 first round pick Jonathan Baldwin over that time. Some close to the program believe that Street, who earned Second Team All Big East honors a year ago, has the talent to warrant inclusion with these stars someday. Street possesses an NFL-caliber combination of size, speed and leaping ability but has thus far struggled with consistency. He led the Panthers a season ago with 53 catches for 754 yards but only scored two touchdowns. The return to a pro-style (after a season in Graham's spread) could iron out some of the wrinkles in Street's game and make him an intriguing prospect for the NFL.

Street had a solid year last season, but I'm a bit surprised that it was strong enough to make all sorts of people take notice and declare he'll be leaving early for the NFL.

Another interesting thought is that the site also has Aaron Donald on their list. He's a more likely candidate to leave early, in my opinion. He had a huge 2011 and if he puts together another good season, I can see him heading out early.

The others CBS Sports put in their top five for Pitt were Jarred Holley and Mike Shanahan.

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