When people talk about the Chicago Bears cornerback position, it typically comes down to two sets of names. There are the starters which include Kyle Fuller, Prince Amukamara, and Bryce Callahan. Then there are the young bucks trying to climb the ladder including Cre’Von LeBlanc, Kevin Toliver, and Michael Joseph. Rarely amidst the ongoing discussions has anybody mentioned the name Doran Grant.
Most people don’t really know the name these days. So here’s a quick recap. He was a solid member of a loaded Ohio State defense the past couple years but was constantly overshadowed by bigger teammates at cornerback. This despite boasting athleticism and legitimate 4.44 speed. Being 5’10 he was quickly pigeonholed into a certain type of corner.
As a result, he spent the first three seasons of his career on four different rosters. The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted him in the fourth round in 2015 but he only lasted a year. He spent time on the Buffalo Bills and New York Giants practice squads in 2016 before landing with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He was later released in September of 2017. A few days later the Bears placed him on their practice squad.
Now he’s once again fighting for a roster spot, but this time feels different.
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Doran Grant is having his best preseason as a pro
The key to making a roster comes in two parts: performance in practice and performance in games. For the first time, Grant has begun to accomplish both. Through three preseason games, he has an interception and three pass deflections in limited snaps. Most will say that’s a fluke, but it’s been happening in practice too.
Chicago paid a visit to Vernon Hills High School on Wednesday. Grant was one of the standout players of the entire practice. He held his own against Kevin White in one-on-ones, almost intercepting Mitch Trubisky in the process. He did grab an interception later in team drills, stepping in front of a Tyler Bray pass at the goal line. A few minutes later he almost had another one.
His lone blot of the day was losing a rep to Allen Robinson in one-on-ones where he gave up a 40-yard completion. That’s not exactly something to lose sleep over. Robinson will do that to lots of cornerbacks this year. The point is while Toliver, Joseph, and others get the attention, the fact is Grant has made more standout plays.
The one who is rightfully earning a place on this roster is him, and he should be acknowledged for it.
