The Player
Jacksonville boasts a roster of young talent, but most of them are well known prospects who won't take anyone by surprise. Finding a stash worthy type of players is difficult, since guys like Allen Robinson, T.J. Yeldon, Marqise Lee and Allen Hurns are already on the radar.
So who is Corey Grant? He's a undrafted rookie speedster out of Auburn who has been catching coaches and teammates by surprise all offseason, showcasing his blazing 4.28 speed on kick returns and out of the backfield.
A part time player in a college spread attack, Grant was mainly asked to find a crease and go, but perhaps this is a guy capable of much more? Athletically, there is a ton to love about this kid, and he compares favorably to some of the most explosive backs to enter the NFL in the past decade:
| Name | Hght | Wght | 40 yd | Bnch | Vert | Broad |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tatum Bell | 5' 11" | 212 | 4.37 | 25 | 38½" | 117" |
| Lamar Miller | 5' 11" | 212 | 4.4 | 33" | 120" | |
| Jerick McKinnon | 5' 9" | 209 | 4.41 | 32 | 40½" | 132" |
| Felix Jones | 5' 10" | 207 | 4.44 | 13 | 33½" | 124" |
| David Wilson | 5' 10" | 206 | 4.49 | 41" | 132" | |
| Corey Grant | 5' 11" | 205 | 4.28 | 22 | 37" | 127" |
| Jamaal Charles | 5' 11" | 200 | 4.38 | 30½" | 122" | |
| Jahvid Best | 5' 10" | 199 | 4.34 | 18 | 32½" | 113" |
| Chris Johnson | 5' 11" | 197 | 4.24 | 35" | 130" | |
| C.J. Spiller | 5' 11" | 196 | 4.27 | 18 | 36" | 126" |
While there is more to becoming an elite back than simply speed and athleticism, you can't coach the traits Corey Grant has, which is a big reason why he was being singled out by the staff in Jacksonville.
As a part time player in Auburn's spread, he ran for 1,040 yards and 9 touchdowns on just 135 carries (7.7 yards per carry). But he was consistently overshadowed by the talented players like Tre Mason and Cameron Artis-Payne, relegating him to more of a gadget role than a lead back.
But when he was given the ball, he was incredibly effective, demonstrated immense deep speed and the ability to beat defenses to the edge at will. His hands appear to be above average as well, although he wasn't given much of an opportunity to showcase that in college. While his agility and between-the-tackles talent is still an unknown, his big play ability is enticing, and it appears the Jaguars have taken notice.
The Opportunity
The Toby Gerhart experiment was a disaster in 2014, with the former Vikings backup posting a Rushing NEP per rush of just -0.14, which was tied for third worst in the NFL for backs with more than 100 carries. His 3.2 yards per carry were a career worst, leading the Jaguars to draft rookie TJ Yeldon with the 36th pick in the draft.
As a team, Jacksonville was just 21st in the NFL in Rushing NEP per play, and even an unexpected season by Denard Robinson couldn't convince the team that an upgrade at the position wasn't necessary. Robinson's -0.08 Rushing NEP per rush was tied for 10th worst in the NFL for backs with more than 100 carries.
But Yeldon wasn't even the most effective back on his college team last season, and there is obviously no guarantee that he will be a successful NFL player. Yeldon will get the first crack at the starting job, but a successful preseason could give Grant an opportunity to get a look in the backfield as well.
While his calling card early will be as a kick returner, if his speed continues to turn heads, don't be surprised if he not only makes the team but makes a significant impact in the backfield.