Rob

Blanchflower

Armed with a nickname of “Gronkflower,” Blanchflower will compete for a job as a backup in-line tight end behind Heath Miller and Matt Spaeth. The UMass product posted 70 catches for 777 yards and five touchdowns during his NCAA career.

The UMass alum will miss “at least a week,” according to coach Mike Tomlin, but could be sidelined even further than that. Blanchflower was slated to compete for a roster spot behind starter Heath Miller and blocker Matt Spaeth.

Blanchflower (6-foot-4 1/8, 256) will be a 24-year-old rookie after spending five seasons at UMass, battling complications from a bilateral sports hernia as a senior to finish with 70 career catches for 777 yards and five TDs. Blanchflower was nicknamed “Gronkflower” by the small Minutemen football fan base, but wasn’t healthy enough to work out this offseason until April 23. When healthy, Blanchflower is a solid run blocker with possession receiving skills. He projects as a backup-type in-line tight end.