2014 NFL Combine Preview: Five More Wide Receivers to Watch

Sep 21, 2013; Syracuse, NY, USA; Tulane Green Wave wide receiver Ryan Grant (3) is tackled by Syracuse Orange cornerback Keon Lyn (8) and Cameron Lynch (38) in the second quarter of a game at the Carrier Dome. Mandator Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

2. Ryan Grant

School: Tulane
Watch to Watch: 40-time, Cone Drill
2013 Stats: 77 catches, 1,39 yards, 13.5 ypc, nine touchdowns
Met with Chiefs: Yes

This draft class is loaded with under the radar wide receiver prospects, and Grant is one of them. Scouts love his hands, the timing and precision of his route running, and how smooth he is on the field. These are all very nice things to hear – especially the part about the “timing” of his route running. Andy Reid’s offense counts a lot of timing routes, so Grant would be a good fit should the reports about him be true.

Grant also has pretty solid size at 6-0, 200 pounds, so he will matchup well against opposing defenses in terms of size.

There are a few concerns with Grant that could be solved at the combine. First is his perceived lack of top-end speed. NFL Draft Scout estimates the lowest 40-time Grant will run is a 4.49, with a likely time of 4.59. Speed is a crucial need for the Chiefs on offense, so a bad 40-time may mean Grant slips down or off the board.

Burst is another issues with Grant. Again, there is a perception Grant does not have enough acceleration to create separation quickly. His ability to run routes well will help him with this, but more talented corners are going to eat him alive. However, he did show “surprising burst” at the Senior Bowl, so maybe his cone drill will show his more athletic than what he has been given credit for up until now.

Some good postings at the combine may help his draft stock come May.