S, UCF
Height: 6’0″
Weight: 194 lbs
Class: rs-Senior
UCF are bringing a number of talented defensive backs to the 2021 Draft and chief among them is their safety Richie Grant. A three-time First Team All-AAC member, Grant enters the NFL on the back of an incredibly productive collegiate career. His 2020 season saw him finish with eight forced incompletions through nine games.
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Strengths
Grant has been a starter for UCF since 2018 and has three solid seasons under his belt. He has shown consistent improvement throughout that period and is coming off a hugely impressive 2020 season that saw him named as a finalist for the Jim Thorpe award along with Trevon Moehrig and Patrick Surtain II. What really stood out this year was his ability in coverage. Grant allowed a completion rate of just 43.8 per cent and just 171 yards on his 32 targets. He gave up a passer rating of just 32.2, ranked third amongst FBS safeties.
One of Grant’s biggest strengths has been his instincts. He showcases excellent understanding of route combinations and his processing skills allow him to make some big plays on the ball. This has shown up at the catch point, with Grant logging 29 forced incompletions throughout his college career.
When it comes to playing safety in the NFL, a key selling point is versatility. Grant ticks this box and should be a good fit in almost any defensive scheme at the next level. He is best as a single high safety, but has experience playing split field coverages, slot corner, and even box safety. He has the tools to play man coverage in the slot and has the fluid hips and quickness necessary to mirror receivers downfield.
An underrated part of Grant’s game is his tackling. This hasn’t always been a strength but he showed notable improvement in 2020. Grant had just six missed tackles on 78 attempts this season after double digit misses in his two previous years as a starter. He packs a real punch to his hits but crucially combines this with good form and tackling technique. Teams will love Grant’s physicality and competitive toughness.
Weaknesses
The biggest weakness to Grant’s game is something out of his control. He has average length and is on the small size of what you would expect from an NFL safety. This isn’t a major problem in coverage, but it means he probably won’t be a box player at the next level. He can have issues sifting through traffic and his lack of length hinders his ability to disengage from blockers. He could probably do with adding a bit more play strength to his game at the next level.
From an athletic standpoint, it would be fair to describe Grant as sufficient but not exceptional. He’s got the speed and short area burst needed to play the position and operate in a single high role, but you wouldn’t want to leave him one-on-one with quicker receivers. Aside from his traits, Grant is also an older prospect, who will turn 24 in his rookie season.
Bottom Line
Grant is a quality safety prospect. Whilst he does have some limitations as far as size and athleticism are concerned, he more than makes up for this with his anticipation and intelligence. He is a ballhawk in coverage and a physical and willing tackler against the run. That is the kind of skillset that sets you up for success in the NFL.
Big Board Rank: #46
Positional Rank: #3
