Three Pitt Panthers Get Their NFL Opportunity As Undrafted Rookies

Story by

Bob Rose

Sun, Apr 27, 2025 ·

3 min read

The Pittsburgh Panthers had three players selected in the 2025 NFL Draft. Offensive lineman Branson Taylor ( Chargers ) and tight end Gavin Bartholomew (Vikings) were both selected in the sixth round. Wide receiver Konata Mumpfield ( Rams ) was chosen in the seventh round.

Pitt also had three of their players immediately signed by teams after the draft as undrafted rookies.

• Brandon George, LB ( Kansas City Chiefs )

• Donovan McMillon, S ( Cleveland Browns )

• Ben Sauls, K ( Pittsburgh Steelers )

Brandon George

Tennessee Volunteers running back <a class= — Tennessee Volunteers running back Jaylen Wright (20) is tackled by Pitt Panthers linebacker Brandon George (30). © Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK

After five years as a rotational defender and special teams standout, George was a regular starter for the Panthers last season. He'd respond with a career-best 80 tackles, including 6 for loss and 2 sacks. He also added an interception and a team-best 3 forced fumbles.

At 6'3" and 246-Lbs., George is a well-built defender who excels against the run and at the line of scrimmage. He has shown neither the instincts or agility in coverage and may be limited to early downs and goal line situations in some schemes. He'll also need better diagnosis on running plays, too often making incorrect reads to put himself out of position to make a play.

George is a downhill defender who will fill running lanes with the speed to get into the backfield quickly. He'll need to make an impact on special teams to make a roster, but has the upside to upgrade a team's run defense.

Donovan McMillon

A four-star recruit at Peters Township High School in western Pennsylvania, McMillon took his talents to the University of Florida. He was with the Gators for two seasons in 2021 and 2022, playing sparingly as a reserve defensive back and recording 18 total tackles.

After transferring from Florida in 2023, McMillon has been a Panther for the last two years. Over that time, he has an interception and has averaged 110 tackles and led the team with 115 total tackles and 55 solo stops last season.

McMillon excels best near the line of scrimmage or as a two-high safety in coverage. He doesn't have a lot of coverage range or the agility to play man. However, he's an aggressive run defender and shows good instincts in zone coverages.

Ben Sauls

After three years of kicking for the Panthers inside of Acrisure Stadium, Sauls initially stays in the same home facility with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

A three-year model of consistency for the Panthers, Sauls hit his last 119 extra points and converted over 81% of his field goals. Last season, he nailed all his 44 extra point attempts and 21 of 24 (87.5%) field goal tries.

Sauls has elite mechanics and form along with excellent range and hang-time on his kickoffs. He was nearly automatic from long range, hitting 6 of 7 field goals from beyond 50 yards last season.