The University of Pittsburgh's Daily Student Newspaper

The Pitt News

The University of Pittsburgh's Daily Student Newspaper

The Pitt News

The University of Pittsburgh's Daily Student Newspaper

The Pitt News

Join our newsletter

Get Pitt and Oakland news in your inbox, three times a week.

ART Heals Pittsburgh showcases the role of community art in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic
ART Heals Pittsburgh showcases the role of community art in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic
By Amber Frantz, Staff Writer • 3:00 am
Fresh Perspective | Final Farewell
By Julia Smeltzer, Digital Manager • 2:23 am

Join our newsletter

Get Pitt and Oakland news in your inbox, three times a week.

ART Heals Pittsburgh showcases the role of community art in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic
ART Heals Pittsburgh showcases the role of community art in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic
By Amber Frantz, Staff Writer • 3:00 am
Fresh Perspective | Final Farewell
By Julia Smeltzer, Digital Manager • 2:23 am

Holtz, Grigsby, Pitts sign on with NFL teams

Tight+end+J.P.+Holtz+is+one+of+three+former+Pitt+Panthers+joining+Tyler+Boyd+in+the+NFL.+Jeff+Ahearn+%7C+Assistant+Visual+Editor
Tight end J.P. Holtz is one of three former Pitt Panthers joining Tyler Boyd in the NFL. Jeff Ahearn | Assistant Visual Editor

Wide receiver Tyler Boyd was the only player from Pitt selected in the 2016 NFL Draft, but three of his teammates found homes with NFL teams after the draft was over.

Tight end J.P. Holtz, linebacker Nicholas Grigsby and cornerback Lafayette Pitts all signed deals as undrafted free agents after the conclusion of the draft on Saturday, April 30.

Holtz accepted an offer to join the Cleveland Browns as a UFA on Saturday night.

A Pittsburgh native and graduate of Shaler Area High School, Holtz played in all 52 games and totaled 81 receptions for 931 yards and 11 touchdowns during his four-year Pitt career.

Also Saturday night, Grigsby agreed to a UFA deal with the Los Angeles Rams, home of former Pitt defensive tackle and 2014 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, Aaron Donald.

Former Pitt linebacker Nicholas Grigsby jars the ball loose.
Former Pitt linebacker Nicholas Grigsby jars the ball loose.

Grigsby, from Trotwood, Ohio, played in 50 games over the last four years after redshirting as a freshman. He finished his collegiate career with 100 unassisted tackles, 144 total tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks.

A third former Panther joined the NFL ranks before the night was over, as Pitts signed a UFA deal with the Miami Dolphins.

Lafayette Pitts covers a New Mexico wide receiver.
Lafayette Pitts covers a New Mexico wide receiver.

A native of Duquesne, Pennsylvania and graduate of Woodland Hills High School, Pitts became an immediate starter after redshirting as a freshman. He played in all 52 games over the last four seasons, amassing 118 unassisted tackles, 152 total tackles, six tackles for loss, four interceptions, 25 pass breakups and one sack.