2016 Mock NFL Draft: Pitt tight end J.P. Holtz drawing interest from several teams

Pitt wide receiver Tyler Boyd is easily the Panthers player expecting to be taken the highest in the 2016 NFL Draft, which starts on April 28th. But other players on the team are hoping to be selected and one of those is tight end J.P. Holtz.

According to the Trib's Jerry DiPaola, Holtz is drawing quite a bit of interest from NFL teams. So far, he cites Holtz having visited with the Cleveland Browns, San Diego Chargers, Chicago Bears, Cincinnati Bengals, and the New Orleans Saints. And overall, back in January, DiPaola said he met with over 15 teams at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl game. He also participated in Pitt's recent Pro Day and some teams are apparently looking at him as a fullback as well.

Holtz doesn't show up on many draft boards right now but don't look past him being taken. He doesn't have gaudy numbers (81 career catches for 931 yards and 11 touchdowns), but part of that was a function of playing alongside star wide receivers Devin Street and Tyler Boyd, who both left the school as the all-time receiving leader at the time of their departure. Holtz also split time with emerging tight end Scott Orndoff, who took away some of his opportunities, too. Holtz is plenty capable as a pass-catcher and blocker.

During his time at Pitt, he developed into a team leader and was known as a hard worker. Seeing a team take a chance on him with a later-round pick wouldn't be a huge surprise.

Be sure to join Cardiac Hill's Facebook page and follow us on Twitter@PittPantherBlog for our regular updates on Pitt athletics. Follow the author and founder/editor @AnsonWhaley.