Ryan Grant: First-round pick?
When I wrote the playoff upgrades earlier this week, I got a number of emails about why Ryan Grant wasn't included.
We wound up talking about it on the Fix, but there were a couple of reasons I left him off.
1. He only played one game (and did lose two fumbles despite the career-making effort).
2. I already say him as a borderline first round pick going into the game. His value didn't change much.
The only way Grant isn't a first-round candidate is if the Packers add talent to their backfield. With Brandon Jackson, DeShawn Wynn, and Vernand Morency under contract, I don't think they will find it necessary.
Grant, like Justin Fargas in Oakland, is made for zone blocking system. He wouldn't have enjoyed the same level of success if he stayed in New York. The offensive line is Green Bay is young and improving, and the Packers offense should remain solid assuming Brett Favre returns. The only question left is how high does Grant go in the first round? My guess is towards the end, but we have a long offseason to settle these matters.
Comments
Funny I had a similar discussion with a co-worker this morning. I think he's going 6 or 7.
Posted by: Dave | January 18, 2008 01:27 PM
No...He has talent, but we're enamored with him because he was on the waiver wire...He comes out of nowhere...Of course he is a great value as a pickup, but will he offer great value as a first rounder? He just hasn't shown the consistency to be a first round pick for sure...Also, what role will DeShawn Wynn play once he's healthy? Remember this guy wasn't bad at all either when he was around, and could vulture goal-line carries...
Posted by: Anonymous | January 19, 2008 02:18 PM
It happens every year. A guy gets the start half way through the year and kicks major ass because he has fresh legs. It happened with LJ, but this is the scariest comparison:
2007 Grant through the final 10 games of the season: 104.9 total yards per game, 0.8 TD's per game.
2004 Julius Jones through final 7 games of the season: 128.3 total yards per game, 1 TD per game.
Unimportant fact, both graduated from Notre Dame.
Jones in 2005: 1211 total yards, 5 TDs.
Grant will be a bust of a first round pick next year.
Posted by: Andres Rodriguez | January 19, 2008 10:47 PM
They both graduated?
Posted by: JD | January 20, 2008 07:36 AM
I'm not saying is he value or not I'm telling you where he's going to be selected.
Posted by: Dave | January 20, 2008 02:04 PM
Oh yea, sorry, these guys always say their from somewhere, that usually doesn't mean they graduated.
Posted by: Andres Rodriguez | January 20, 2008 08:37 PM
Dave - what the hell? Holy incoherent sentences.
Were you sleeping in english class?
Posted by: Stephen | January 21, 2008 07:26 AM