Pittsburgh Panthers cornerback M.J. Devonshire is an athletic prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft. Devonshire ran a 4.45 40 at the NFL Combine with a 38.5-inch vertical and 10-foot-4 broad jump.
Devonshire recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network about leading the Panthers in interceptions in 2023, which teams are showing interest in his services, and more.
JM: You led the team in interceptions this season with four. You leave Pittsburgh with eight INTs under your belt. What is it about your game that allows you to get your hands on the ball so often?
M.J. Devonshire: I would point out my awareness first and foremost. The coaching staff at Pittsburgh helped me develop my football IQ and things of that nature through film study. I always know my opponent. When you know your opponent, you start to know which routes and concepts he’s likeliest to run.
Learning their tendencies, picking up on little tips through the film makes a huge difference. I caught some lucky breaks as well (laughs). Sometimes interceptions come down to sheer luck as well.
JM: Is M.J. Devonshire a man coverage corner or a zone guy?
M.J. Devonshire: I’m definitely a man-to-man cornerback. That’s the coverage we primarily played at Pittsburgh. Don’t get me twisted though, I believe I can play zone coverage as well. I just love playing press-man coverage. That’s my preference.
JM: Do NFL teams see you playing the boundary, or the nickel at the next level?
M.J. Devonshire: I’ve heard some outside and some inside as well. I’ve heard a little nickel, but most NFL teams see me playing as an outside cornerback. That’s been the general consensus throughout my meetings.
JM: You put forth an outstanding performance at the NFL Combine. You ran a 4.45 40 and had a 38.5-inch vertical and 10-foot-4 broad. How would you grade your overall performance?
M.J. Devonshire: I think I had a solid day. I ultimately wanted to put my best foot forward. I feel like I did that at a pretty high level in most areas. I wish my 40 was a little bit faster, but it was ultimately a great day. I showcased my athleticism on the biggest pre-draft stage.
JM: You also returned 46 punts at Pittsburgh, one of which you scored a touchdown on. Do you hope to keep returning punts at the next level?
M.J. Devonshire: Yeah, I definitely do. I love returning punts. I love getting the ball in my hands and trying to score a touchdown on special teams. I’m looking forward to returning punts at the next level.
JM: Are you scheduled to meet with any NFL teams over the next few weeks?
M.J. Devonshire: Throughout the process of attending the East-West Shrine Bowl and the NFL Combine, I’ve met with all 32 teams. I’m going to be taking an in-person 30 visit with the Pittsburgh Steelers. I also have a workout and in-person meeting scheduled with the Buffalo Bills later this month as well.
JM: There’s a lot of interest in you and it’s easy to see why. So many NFL defensive backs have come through the Pittsburgh program in recent years. You played with AJ Woods this year. Safety Brandon Hill was there last year. What is it about the program that keeps churning out pro-ready defensive backs?
M.J. Devonshire: Coach Archie Collins is a terrific secondary coach. He develops us defensive backs at a great pace. He takes care of us both on and off the field. He takes his time to develop his players.
We watch a lot of film together. We study our opponents. Coach Collins holds us accountable. We’re always breaking down film. He checks on us and makes sure we’re doing the things he tells us to do.
He wants us to want to be great. We have to put in the work. It’s on us at the end of the day. For the most part, every player here trusts what he’s saying. We listen to coach Collins. It leads to us becoming successful at the next level. Coach Collins makes sure we’re constantly learning.
JM: He sounds like a terrific coach. We've appreciated your time today. What kind of impact is M.J. Devonshire going to make at the next level?
M.J. Devonshire: I want to make whatever impact the team needs me to make. I want to develop into a shutdown cornerback for an NFL team. I’m going to be an explosive punt returner as well. I want to help a team win a Super Bowl.