Texans Will Look To The Future Of Cornerback In The Draft

Dec 6, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Melvin Gordon (25) is tackled by Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Doran Grant (12) during the Big Ten football championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Doran Grant  (3^rd – 4^th round)

5’10”, 200 – Ohio State

When watching a player on tape you see this trait or that slow or quick reaction, but it’s not always easy to find and NFL comparable in terms of style.  This was not a problem with Doran Grant.  After watching a few of his games from 2014, and having seen every Texans game in their history (particularly since 2011), Doran Grant instantly reminded me of Kareem Jackson.

His style of play is very similar in the way he moves, the way he covers and the even the way he tackles.  Can Grant become a relatively accomplished NFL cornerback as Kareem has become?  That remains to be seen but he certainly could have a fitting mentor if the Texans were to take him.

Here is Doran Grant against Northwestern in 2013.

Oct 18, 2014; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Doran Grant (12) intercepts a pass intended for Rutgers Scarlet Knights wide receiver Leonte Carroo (4) at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports

Much like it was said when Kareem was drafted, there are some also that speculate that Grant could move to safety as well at some point.  But at this point his experience is just that of a cornerback.

Grant is also a good but not explosive athlete.  He ran a 4.45 at the combine, had 19 reps on the bench and a 33 inch vertical.  Grant is a smart player has a good deal of experience in press coverage.  He is also a decent corner in zone as well.

Grant likes to bump-and-run the receiver but at times gets his hands up into the receiver too much, and because he’s not an elite athlete, he does run the risk of getting beat deep (Remember the early KJax years?!?).  But technique, coaching and the scheme in the secondary can play a huge role in minimizing that risk.

Just like Kareem coming out of college, Grant is more than just a willing tackler that seems to relish the opportunity to come up and pop a running back.  There is some concern that as a 5’10” corner he may not have the size to play on the outside but those questions were there for Kareem Jackson as well.

Grant is also a two-year starter at cornerback for a big time program at Ohio State and has been competing at a high level for those two seasons.  And this season he got opportunity to play in the first real national championship playoff.

Whether drafted by the Texans or not, Grant will likely first be given a shot to become a solid cornerback, probably a team’s #2 corner, but if not, look for him to move to safety.  As a smart player who doesn’t mind hitting and tackling, safety shouldn’t be an issue for Grant.

Click NEXT