By Ross Jackson
No, not that Charles Grant. But sharing the same name as former New Orleans Saints defensive lineman, William & Mary offensive lineman Charles Grant could be a mid-round starter for the team.
The team has already put some eyes on the 6-foot-4, 311 pound collegiate left tackle, per Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football. He’s a player that certainly fits the mold for a Saints team that is looking to build its trenches after an injury-riddled season decimated the interior of the line in 2024.
Grant’s fit with the Saints
Grant may have been a career left tackle in college, but could be moved inside at the next level. The Saints have an open competition at left guard that would suit him. Or at the very least, after adding free agent offensive lineman Dillon Radunz last month, Grant could provide quality depth.
If he continues to play with strong technique and fundamentals, he could even be versatile depth behind the tackle positions.
What makes Grant a good prospect
He’s a sound and strong player that knows how to use his length and power in protection. He was also a high school wrestler, giving him the tools necessary to win in the trenches when locking horns with a defensive lineman. He relies on his technique just as much as he does his physical skills, which is a coach’s dream. Also, he moves well laterally which could be an asset in head coach Kellen Moore’s offensive system, which will maximize pulling guards in the man/gap run schemes and athleticism in zone run calls.
Grant has a reputation for not only being able to be a physical player thanks to his size and reach. He possesses an eye-popping 81 ⅞-inch wingspan, which is nearly seven feet. He is also an athletic marvel to go along with that build.
Charles Grant is an absolute dawg with some NASTY tape.
Raw technique and new to the game, but his William & Mary film displays the athletic tools, size, and 7-foot wingspan to develop and stick at tackle for a long time. pic.twitter.com/g2dEdpBUVN
— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) April 4, 2025
The tackle did suffer an injury during the pre-draft process that limited his ability to participate in the NFL Scouting Combine and other all-star games. However, he was a Senior Bowl invite and did get to participate in his pro day, indicating a positive step forward in his recovery. Before that injury, he started 41 games, including 36 in a row while at Williams and Mary, showing off his durability.
He was also a team captain in 2024, a quality the Saints seem to covet in recent years.
2025 Pro Day Results
- 40-yard-dash: 5.09 seconds
- Vertical: 27 inches
- Broad jump: 8-foot-11
- Short shuttle: 4.95 seconds
- 3-cone: 7.88 seconds
While his explosive metrics leave a bit to be desired (vertical and broad jump), his speed and movement on tape are hard to ignore.
2025 NFL Draft Projection
While some believe he could be a fringe first-rounder, Grant is widely seen as a fringe day two prospect, meaning a third or fourth-round selection. This is likely due to the leap of competition level he’ll be asked to make as he enters the pros.
The Saints currently have a pair of picks available in each of those rounds. They hold the Nos. 71 and 93 picks in the third and the Nos. 112 and 131 picks in the fourth. Spending any of those four selections in a high-ceiling backup or possible starter on the offensive line would be well worth the investment.
