Pitt postpones Pro Day after NFL bans visits with draft-eligible players

Pitt postponed its annual Pro Day for seniors wishing to work out for NFL scouts after the league banned in-person visits with draft-eligible players.

The session, which typically attracts scouts and executives from most NFL teams, was scheduled for Wednesday at the South Side practice facility Pitt shares with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

It is not a cancellation, but Pitt’s Pro Day has not been rescheduled.

The postponement, which already had been in question after the NCAA suspended spring football practice for its schools, was triggered by a memo the NFL sent to all 32 teams Friday. The memo instructed clubs to immediately stop in-person visits with prospects, including travel to those meetings, due to the coronavirus pandemic, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero and Mike Garafolo reported.

Several NFL teams, including the Steelers, have suspended air travel for coaches and scouts.

“We have been closely monitoring developments relating to the coronavirus (covid-19) and are taking action based on the guidance of our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Allen Sills, and the medical experts at the World Health Organization and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,” the memo stated.

“After considering recent medical and public safety information related to covid-19, we have decided to prohibit all in-person pre-Draft visits involving draft-eligible players effective at the end of this business day (Friday), until further notice.”

Before the memo was sent, the Miami Dolphins met with Ohio State running back J.K. Dobbins and Utah State quarterback Jordan Love, the NFL Network reported.