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.
Very excited to sign with the Cleveland Browns! Can't wait to get to work #DawgPound
— JP Holtz (@jp_holtz86) April 30, 2016
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.
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.
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.