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DE Charles Grant, New Orleans Saints

HT: 6-3, WT: 290, Born: 9-3-1978, College: Georgia, Drafted: Round 1, Pick 25

2008 Projections

Best Case

Grant did not rebound as well as many veteran IDP players had hoped from the toe injury he struggled with in 2006. He still proved he could support the run, however, hitting 40 solo tackles despite the woeful sack production. With the overall improvement expected in the New Orleans defense, Grant could see enough one-on-one blocking to have a rebound in his pass rush numbers. Grant may also move inside with the acquisition of situational rusher Bobby McCray, where he'd have favorable matchups against guards who may not be able to handle his size and quickness. With luck, Grant could finish in the top twelve with a 45-8 season.

Worst Case

Grant turns 30 this summer and has been unable to get back to the double digit levels of sack production he was known for earlier in his career. If the Saints choose not to use him at defensive tackle on nickel downs, he may lose snaps to the newly acquired McCray. If Grant doesn't get enough opportunity to hit the 40 solo tackle mark or can't take advantage of the increased sack potential, he's unlikely to provide every week starting value.

Outlook

Grant is a tough player to handicap this season. His sack numbers have been down for three years running, but there's enough improvement in the overall defense that Grant could have a veteran renaissance in production. More likely, he again settles out in the 40 solo, 3-6 sack range. Not flashy, but worth rostering as a DL2-3 flex player.

Writeups last modified: 2008-05-03 06:09:31