clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Steelers 2016 Roster, 90 in 90 Days: Xavier Grimble has his work cut out for him at tight end

In a new feature at BTSC, we are breaking down the Steelers 90-man roster one player, one position, one day at a time. The conclusion of this feature will be the start of the 2016 season.

Jeff Gross/Getty Images

Player: Xavier Grimble

Position: TE

School: USC

Overview: Grimble was an undrafted free agent in 2014 that has spent time with the Giants, 49ers, Patriots, and Steelers, though this has been his first training camp with Pittsburgh. Grimble is not one of these new hybrid, super athletic tight ends that have taken over the NFL the last few years. Rather, he is the old school sure-handed guys that can secure a catch over the middle, then rumble for a few yards down the field.

Unfortunately, Grimble is not known for his blocking, something that could potentially have made a difference in a close battle. His college stats are a bit underwhelming, and he could have used the extra year of eligibility to try and mature as a player instead of coming out in the draft like he decided.

Reporters have said Grimble has been making some nice plays at camp, he does have very good hands. Going into camp with Ladarius Green, Jesse James, and David Johnson ahead of him on the depth chart I don't see him making the Steelers 53-man roster, but perhaps he develops his skills enough that he can catch on somewhere else.

Strengths:
Very Good hands for a tight end
Difficult to bring down with the ball in his hands
Willing blocker

Weaknesses:
Not a good blocker despite the willingness to do so
Not athletic -slow and limited agility
Log jam ahead of him at tight end

Chances of Making the team: 15%