Steelers Draft: OSU’s Doran Grant Could Be Good Target
The Steelers will draft a cornerback in the 2015 NFL Draft.
The question is – when? And who?
While young men like Alex Carter out of Stanford, Kevin Johnson out of Wake Forrest, or PJ Williams out of Florida State are certainly probable and reachable picks for the Steelers, there is a very good option sitting in later rounds.
Ohio State University’s Doran Grant.
Grant is a solid corner and is NFL worthy based on his play. He could either go as a second corner pick for the Steelers or could even end up being their first (and only) corner selection in this year’s draft.
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I’d be ok with that. Here’s why.
There are a couple of things that set Grant apart from his compatriots also entering the draft: Leadership and Championship
Doran Grant was a leader on that OSU squad for two years. During the combine, Grant recounted how coaches specifically told him that he needed to “step out of his shell” and lead with his words as much as his actions. He did just that. Grant was vocal in the locker room and on the sidelines. Players looked to him and up to him.
That would be huge heading into the NFL. Leadership and maturity are two qualities that will lack in the secondary once Ike Taylor and Troy Polamalu get their send offs (probably this season). I would strongly argue that it’s one reason why Cortez Allen had such a down year after signing his rather generous extension.
Grant’s maturity could put him on the field early and help him stay focused enough to make an impact early in the Steelers secondary.
Perhaps there’s a direct correlation (or perhaps not) that Grant’s leadership on and off the field led his team to a National Championship in 2014/15. Whether that is the case or not, being a National Champion must be taken into consideration. He’s help win big games.
Jan 12, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Doran Grant (12) during the game against the Oregon Ducks in the 2015 CFP National Championship Game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
More importantly for Steelers fans, you have to look at the context in which OSU won – many felt they didn’t belong in the playoffs and were considered underdogs the whole time. Sound familiar, 2005 Steelers fans?
Mental toughness plays a large part in a rookie/young players career. Grant’s known what it’s like when you’re the underdog, which plays right up the Steelers alley.
Statistically, Grant had two very solid seasons as a junior and senior. He had over 50 tackles both seasons and improved his INT count from three in 2013 to five in 2014.
He was scouted as being too ‘slow’ to play on the outside in the NFL, but his 4.44 40 time at the combine this past week should scratch that off the list of concerns. His intelligence on the field as well as his affinity to bat away passes makes him NFL ready.
The Steelers don’t play man press much and would fit the Steelers zone heavy defensive packages – that’s assuming that new DC Keith Butler retains most of what DLB left behind. If anything, Grant will be a huge contributor to special teams in the early going.
The Steelers have “a thing” for drafting players out of OSU anyways.