2021 NFL Draft: San Francisco 49ers 7-round mock
S. UCF. Richie Grant. 886. Pick Analysis. 43. player. Scouting Report
The 49ers could lose several players from their secondary in free agency, including safety Jaquiski Tartt who, like almost every cornerback on the roster, is set to become an unrestricted free agent.
San Francisco’s scouts will not have failed to notice the impact Grant made at the Senior Bowl, where he displayed his ball-hawking tendencies in an excellent week of practice.
Grant’s versatility would help San Francisco address the potential departures of Tartt and slot corner K’Waun Williams. He has the ability to play the deep middle, in the box and in man coverage from the slot, and he relies on his awareness to help him thrive in each of these roles.
Indeed, Grant rarely panics in coverage, using his hands to stay in position when playing man and his eyes to read both the quarterback and the receiver. He stays low when backpedaling in off coverage and can transition efficiently to get great breaks on the ball.
His instincts and athleticism help Grant undercut routes, while he is frequently able to access the frame of receivers to disrupt at the catch point.
Grant would be an asset to a Niners team that frequently rotates their safeties and, assuming Nick Bosa’s return gets the front back to something approaching its 2019 best, he would be in a great position to quickly become a playmaker in the secondary for San Francisco.