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Baltimore Ravens get UDFA steal in KR/PR Janarion Grant

By Sayre Bedinger

PISCATAWAY, NJ - NOVEMBER 28: Janarion Grant #1 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights attempts to run past Anthony Nixon #20 of the Maryland Terrapins during a game at High Point Solutions Stadium on November 28, 2015 in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
PISCATAWAY, NJ - NOVEMBER 28: Janarion Grant #1 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights attempts to run past Anthony Nixon #20 of the Maryland Terrapins during a game at High Point Solutions Stadium on November 28, 2015 in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /
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The Baltimore Ravens got an undrafted free agent steal in kick returner/punt returner Janarion Grant, who is still working his way back to full health…

The Baltimore Ravens had an extremely eventful 2018 NFL Draft, Ozzie Newsome’s last with the team before Eric DeCosta takes over as the team’s general manager going forward.

That draft class included top pick Hayden Hurst, a tight end from South Carolina, and former Heisman Trophy winner Lamar Jackson at the bottom of round one.

The Ravens added depth all over their roster, reloading at some key positions, but it was after the 2018 NFL Draft where they got a real gem.

Kick returner/punt returner Janarion Grant from Rutgers had his collegiate career tragically cut short. Or, at the very least, it was hindered greatly.

After a long kick return in a 2016 game against Iowa, Grant’s ankle was stepped on out of bounds by Hawkeyes cornerback Desmond King. Grant broke his ankle and has had a very difficult time getting back from that injury.

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Through the 2016 season, Grant had racked up eight return touchdowns, including four total in 2015. He had a pair of return touchdowns in the 2016 season before his injury, but what’s most impressive to me is the trajectory he was on.

Grant had increased his kick return average to 32.5 yards per return. His punt return average was up to 16 yards a return.

Despite being just 5-foot-9, 177 pounds, Grant threw up 22 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press at his pro day but ran a very disappointing 4.56-second 40-yard dash.

The speed and explosiveness we had seen for so many years at Rutgers just weren’t there, but I don’t think it’s gone completely.

Grant may need a redshirt in his first year in the NFL. He may need some time with the Ravens’ training staff to get his explosiveness back, but this is a playmaker and a difference maker in the return game when he’s at full speed.

If he can return to form, this could end up being a big-time steal for the Ravens.

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