Former Pitt LB Nicholas Grigsby makes L.A. Rams’ 53-man roster

Former Pitt linebacker Nicholas Grigsby survived the last round of NFL preseason roster cuts Saturday, officially making the Los Angeles Rams’ 53-man roster entering the 2016-2017 season.

Grigsby joins former Panthers wide receiver Tyler Boyd of the Cincinnati Bengals as the second player from Pitt’s 2015 team to make an NFL team’s roster. Grigsby’s achievement was especially unlikely given he signed on with the Rams as an undrafted free agent.

A native of Trotwood, Ohio, Grigsby appeared in 50 games for the Panthers from 2012 to 2015. After redshirting his first year, he spent three seasons as a reserve linebacker before starting all 13 games during the 2015 season.

Grigsby racked up 66 tackles along with 9.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, a fumble recovery and two pass breakups during his senior season. He finished his career with 144 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks.

Other former Pitt players didn’t fare as well on Saturday. The Cleveland Browns released former Pitt tight end J.P. Holtz, the Miami Dolphins released former Pitt cornerback Lafayette Pitts and the Pittsburgh Steelers released former Pitt safety Ray Vinopal on the final day of roster cuts.

According to ESPN, 13 other former Pitt players are currently listed on NFL rosters and practice squads.