IDP Spotlight: DE Charles Grant, New Orleans Saints

  Posted 7/21 by Aaron Rudnicki, Exclusive to Footballguys.com

Grant was extremely productive as a high school RB and has always been an impressive athlete with a good combination of size, strength and quickness. He had a great start to his career with 28.5 sacks in his first 3 years but he's only collected 12 in the 3 years since then. Part of the reason for the dropoff in sacks was a move from RDE to LDE to accommodate Will Smith, and he also played through some injuries that limited his burst off the line. Despite the decline in sacks, he consistently puts up above average tackle numbers for his position, including an amazing 67 solos back in 2004.

Coming off what looked to be a rebound season in 2006, Grant signed a huge contract extension last offseason that paid him $20 million in guaranteed money, and it's possible that may have reduced his motivation a bit. He also underwent surgery this offseason to repair a torn ankle ligament that he suffered in late October but decided to play through. His production really dropped off after the injury last year so if he can stay healthy, he should have little trouble improving on last year's numbers. Further complicating matters is the bar fight he was involved in this summer which resulted in him being stabbed in the neck and later charged with involuntary manslaughter. Although early reports indicate that he is unlikely to serve jail time, this is clearly a serious situation that could potentially lead to a suspension at some point. He's also facing a civil suit that could wind up being a major distraction for him in training camp and possibly during the season.

The Saints made some significant roster changes this offseason that could have an impact on Grant. Most important of all, they traded for Jonathan Vilma, who will provide a huge upgrade at MLB. They also spent a high draft pick to bring in the 2nd best DT in the draft, Sedrick Ellis. Those two players combined should make the Saints much stronger up the middle and lead to more passing situations for the defense as a whole. The Saints have also signed Bobby McCray from the Jaguars, who will likely contribute as a situational pass rusher and push Grant inside to DT in the nickel package. Given the contract Grant signed, it's unlikely he'll lose his starting job but he could lose playing time if he doesn't turn things around and start living up to expectations.

Positives

• One of the best run stopping DEs in the league who consistently puts up high tackle numbers
• Will play through injuries, but should also be fully recovered from the ankle injury that limited him for most of 2007
• Pass rush opportunities should improve in quantity and quality with the upgrades made on defense

Negatives

• Hasn't finished with more than 6 sacks in any of the past 3 years despite playing in all but 2 games
• Could lose valuable playing time at DE in passing situations to Bobby McCray
• Involuntary manslaughter case is a potential distraction and could lead to suspension or worse
  

Final Thoughts

The legal issues are certainly cause for some concern, but if he is able to avoid a suspension and stay healthy, Grant should have a rebound season and finish among the top-20 fantasy DL. The defensive upgrades the Saints made should lead to more pass rush opportunities for Grant. While he seems unlikely to reach double digit sacks, 7 or 8 are certainly possible for him in this defense. He's finished with at least 40 solo tackles for 5 straight seasons which make him a very safe and reliable option in most scoring systems.

Quotes from the IDP Spotlight Message Thread

To view the entire thread, click here.

Rozelle:
"11 sacks in 2004, then 12 in 2005-2007. Ouch! What happened?

With the FA acquisition of DE Bobby McCray (Jacksonville), there's talk of Grant moving inside. McCray has looked very impressive in mini camp and OTA's. This is a situation you'll want to monitor closely. I think there's a chance a move to DT could be permanent. Most of us know Grant has himself in some off field trouble; he's been indicted for involuntary manslaughter and faces a civil lawsuit. Grant is under contract thru 2013. With Charles, it's difficult enough to project his role, let alone numbers."

Weiner Dog:
"This guy received his pay-day in early '07 and hit cruise control. There's no better explanation. Over the past two seasons, the Saints have (finally) been in position where they're actually leading in games. This should have allowed the DEs to "pin their ears back" and chase the opposing QBs. Well, Will Smith capitalized on the Saints offense and posted 18 sacks over the past two seasons. Grant, however, only posted 8.5.

The writing is on the wall. Bobby McCray was given a few dollars to join the team, and I fully see him playing end on passing downs. Grant will either leave the field or slide to DT. Either way, the Grant of the '03 and '04 seasons is dead and gone."

Projections

IDP Scoring System

• 1.5 pts per Solo Tackle
• 0.75 pts per Assisted Tackle
• 4 pts per Sack
• 4 pts per Forced Fumble
• 4 pts per Fumble Recovery
• 5 pts per Interception
• 1.5 pts per Pass Defensed
• 6 pts per Touchdown
• 2 pts per Safety