Countdown to Camp: Xavier Grimble

by Christina "Tina" Rivers (3Rivers_Writer) on July 21, 2017

Countdown to Camp is a series aimed at preparing fans for the Pittsburgh Steelers upcoming training camp by focusing on players who were on the 2016 roster. Each profile will include basic statistics and a hand selected highlight from last year.

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Xavier Grimble	85
Position	Tight End
Date of birth	September 22, 1992 (age 24)
Place of birth	Las Vegas, Nevada
Height	6-4
Weight	257
High school	Las Vegas (NV) Gorman
College	Southern California
Undrafted	2014
Career	New York Giants (2014)*
	San Francisco 49ers (2014)*
	New England Patriots (2014)*
	San Francisco 49ers (2014-2015)*
	Pittsburgh Steelers (2016-present)
	*Offseason and/or practice squad member only

A University of Southern California product, Xavier Grimble was ranked 17th best (out of 95) tight ends entering the 2014 NFL Draft. Grimble went undrafted, joining the New York Giants, San Francisco 49ers and New England Patriots before finding a home with the Steelers in January 2016.

Grimble’s first test in camp was to compete for a backup spot behind David Johnson, Jesse James and Paul Lang. He became a target for Ben Roethlisberger in two nice plays – against the Cincinnati Bengals (two catches, 26 yards and a touchdown) and a twenty-yard touchdown reception on the opening drive of a comeback win over the Baltimore Ravens.

Having been re-signed in February to a one-year deal to remain in Pittsburgh, Grimble will be looking for opportunities at camp now that Ladarius Green is no longer with the team to build on his ability to maintain position in the open field, handle the initial tackles of defenders and improve his hands in the passing game.

While Grimble has been more of a blocker versus receiver at the tight end position, he could get more actively involved in the game plan. Many analysts felt that after his 2016 season Grimble would need to improve his ability to shed blocks downfield, especially in the red zone.