2021 NFL Draft: Richie Grant Player Profile

Richie Grant 2021 NFL Draft Profile

The NFL is growing more and more infatuated with defenders who are versatile. Players like Isaiah Simmons, Jamal Adams, and other hybrid defenders are growing more and more popular in the NFL today. UCF’s Richie Grant fits that mold well. During his 2020 season, Grant played 145 snaps at the slot cornerback position, 236 as a box safety, and 225 as a free safety. These numbers tell you a lot about Grant’s versatility, and ability to play all over the field.

In his 2018 season, Grant was a starter. He posted 101 total tackles, two forced fumbles, a whopping 6 interceptions, as well as three passes defended. This was enough to earn him the accolade of first team All-ACC, which he won twice more, both in 2019 and 2020. Grant’s 2018 season was his best statistical campaign of his collegiate career. In 2019, he followed up his incredible 2018 season with another good one, with 68 tackles, as well as eight passes defended. Though he did not have as many big plays as he did in his 2018 campaign, Grant was solid nonetheless.

In his redshirt senior season (2020), Grant had another solid statistical season. 72 tackles, his first and only collegiate sack, as well as two forced fumbles, three interceptions, and five passes defended. As mentioned earlier, Grant earned the accolade of first team all-ACC from 2018 to 2020. Grant’s versatility is a great trait of his and his numbers in college show his productivity.

Strengths

Versatility and ability to play several defensive roles;

Great at recognizing offensive play calls;

Solid, consistent tackler;

Excellent ability to break on the football when it is thrown;

Understanding of the game evident on tape.

Weaknesses

Lacks elite athleticism;

Speed is less than ideal;

Length not ideal;

Already 23 years old;

Lack of ability to cover sideline to sideline due to speed.

NFL Comparison: Less Athletic Kyle Dugger

Projection: Day 2 (2nd-3rd Rd.)

Bottom Line on Richie Grant

Overall, Richie Grant is a very solid player who can play a role in any part of the defense. He can be a very good hybrid safety who can come down, blitz, defend the run, play in coverage, or even help defend a wide receiver or tight end in the slot. Grant can be a great fit for any team looking to add a player to a defense who can help out in any role.

Frankly, a win-now team would benefit most from Grant’s services due to his age. When his rookie contract expires, he will be 27 years old, which is less than ideal for a team looking to add a boost of youth to their defense. Regardless, he is a solid impact player for any team that needs a guy who can fill a role defensively.