Former Pitt offensive lineman Brian O’Neill made the decision to forgo his senior season with the Panthers to pursue a career in the NFL, and with each passing day, it seems clearer and clearer that he made the right call.
The latest indication came with the release of ESPN analyst Todd McShay’s first 2018 mock draft on Wednesday, as he included O’Neill among his first-round selections. McShay has the 2016 Piesman Trophy winner going to the Atlanta Falcons with the 26th overall pick.
Luke Easterling of Draft Wire listed O’Neill among McShay’s more surprising selections, but with the analyst’s vote of confidence, the former Pitt lineman has now convinced two of the most notable draftniks that he belongs in the first round, as ESPN’s Mel Kiper previously predicted O’Neill would go 16th overall to the Baltimore Ravens.