Charles Spencer was the only Pitt player drafted on day one of the NFL Draft. Not exactly a shock. Actually, almost as expected. It was a little surprising that he was the very first pick of the 3d round, going to the Houston Texans. Not a lot said one way or the other about him, essentially that he had potential, but it might be a reach to be the top of the 3d.

Just a couple other draft thoughts. Seemed the Steelers gave up a little too much to get OSU WR Santonio Holmes — switching spots in the 1st plus a 3d and a 4th round pick at that point struck many as excessive. Of course how hard do you argue with the decision making of the defending Champs? But I did like the grab of Syracuse Safety Anthony Smith in the 3d round.

Not an impressive first day for the Big East. Only Spencer, Smith and Center Jason Spitz from Louisville were drafted. All in the 3d round. Not that it means that much considering how many players from the ACC were drafted in just the 1st round and that conference’s showing during the season.

Kind of surprised Louisville DE Elvis Dumervil didn’t get drafted, but apparently he didn’t do well at the Senior Bowl or at the combines. Same that South Florida RB Andre Hall didn’t get picked — though it seemed running backs were kind of devalued in the first day of the draft.