Doran Grant NFL Draft 2015: Scouting Report, Grade for Steelers Rookie

STRENGTHS

Doran Grant comes out of a pro-style, press coverage defense at Ohio State and is NFL-ready. He's big enough and strong enough to handle the line of scrimmage and has active, patient hands to jam receivers. He's a three-down player who will attack the run and bring down ball-carriers on the edge, and then gives versatility in coverage because he can line up inside or outside at corner. Grant is football smart, and you'll see him on film getting teammates lined up and pointing out changes on offense. He won't get fooled by double moves and was one of the best cornerbacks evaluated at seeing screens and getting into position to break them up. He's a balanced mover with good agility and speed to recover.

WEAKNESSES

Despite a solid measurement, Grant doesn't play up to that size or length in coverage. Big, tall receivers take advantage of his size and attack the ball high where he can't make a play on it. Grant's feet can get heavy when he's making a man turn, and he can lose the receiver initially after flipping his head. He doesn't have great hands and won't make an impact as a turnover cornerback. Grant is a spot tackler who looks to bring down the receiver instead of challenge the ball. His technique in phase needs work, as he's often grabby and waits to react.

2014 STATISTICS

Tackles    Passes Defended   Interceptions
    63                 9                              5

PRO COMPARISON: Kareem Jackson, Houston Texans

A solidly built, strong tackler at cornerback, Grant may make a move to safety, which is how I saw Kareem Jackson coming out of Alabama.

FINAL GRADE: 5.45/9.00 (Quality Backup)