LA Rams met with Houston Cougars LB/S Grant Stuard

Swiss Army knife

His college career has him at defensive back for two seasons, back to the safety position for his junior year, and then up to linebacker for his senior season. He’s also played running back as well.  If hybrid defensive players are worth their weight in gold, then Grant Stuard is the mother-lode.

Of course, when a prospect does not fit the ‘box’, there is a bias of underappreciation for his talents, and right now he is not scored highly in any version of his draft profile.  But that is the public version, not the version that rests in the hands of 32 different NFL teams. All 32 teams have talked to this young man. Some more than others.

At the 8:45 mark in the video below, he mentions meeting with the LA Rams multiple times.

The key to a successful draft is not to load up on track stars, but rather fill the roster with players who can make a difference. So the question becomes, can Grant Stuard make a difference on the Rams roster?

I think so, yes.  The NFL is not about traditional roles any longer but continues to lean over more and more heavily towards hybrid roles and players. No, we are not talking about the cornerbacks who can slide outside or into the slot.

We are talking about safeties who can slide up to linebackers or out to cornerbacks. We are talking about outside linebackers who can put a hand in the dirt and play defensive linemen. We are talking about linebackers who can slide into effective pass coverage.

And yes, Grant Stuard fits that new hybrid role.