In the fourth round of the 2015 NFL Draft, I’m sure everyone was hoping a certain cornerback would fall to the Pittsburgh Steelers. That was the exact case and Doran Grant from the Ohio State University was drafted. Grant was the captain of his team who won the National Championship.
Today we will be evaluating all five of Grant’s 2014 interceptions.
#12 – Doran Grant/ CB Ohio State: 5012, 200lbs
Grant playing man to man on the Baltimore Ravens’ new tight end Maxx Williams. Reading the quarterback the whole time and using his awareness, Grant is able to intercept the high pass.
This is my favorite interception of Grant’s. He is playing press man on a receiver. Flips his hips and looks at the quarterback and proceeds to jump the route. Great instincts and ball skills to read this so well.
Here is that same interception from a different angle:
4th and 23 for the Badgers down 52-0 so they throw a hail mary. Grant runs well with his receiver and puts himself in position to intercept the ball.
Playing zone here, Grant just keeps to his area and a tipped ball falls into his lap. Easy pick, but great awareness.
Probably my second favorite interception by Grant. 3rd and short in the red zone, Grant is challenged by a 6’1” receiver who goes up for a fade. In perfect position, Grant is able to haul in the interception and doing so, proves that size isn’t everything.
I’ve noticed a correlation between Grant and his interceptions. He seems to always be in the right spot at the right time, or he puts himself in the perfect position to make a play. His awareness and instincts are exceptional. He could look to challenge Antwon Blake for a spot on the depth chart. He will also be battling 2nd round draft pick Senquez Golson for playing time.
There has been some speculation about whether Grant should move to safety. I believe the Steelers drafted Grant to play cornerback but he does have the high football IQ and ability to play the position if needed.
