LA Rams met with Houston Cougars LB/S Grant Stuard

How can the Rams use Stuard? Let’s count the ways

He had a productive collegiate career. 191 tackles over 33 games is a pretty healthy clip. He had two sacks and one fumble recovery for a touchdown. Oh, and he had five rushes for 35 yards, and one kickoff return for 31 yards. This guy is literally duct tape for a football roster. So how might the LA Rams make use of his skill set? Let’s count ’em down.

Power back – To start off, this guy is nearly 6-foot-0 and weighs a healthy 230 pounds. While he hadn’t a lot of college experience, he did carry the football in a pinch. And the LA Rams have this passive need for a bigger running back, no, power back, since the exodus of veteran Malcolm Brown. Now, that won’t be the reason why Stuard is brought in, but if given the chance I believe he could allow the Rams to create some offensive plays to feature his unique plenty of energy and power.

Defensive back – Stuard played three of four college seasons as a defensive back. So why wouldn’t the LA Rams view him through that lens? He is a big and powerful enforcer, a thumper who can play in the tweener role on passing downs but remain a good run stopper as well. While his profile cites speed and limited range, he will join some of the best defensive backs in the NFL with the Rams. His role will not be to emulate Jalen Ramsey. He will fill a nice niche for the Rams.

Linebacker – Think of a rookie who plays very much like Travin Howard, and you have Grant Stuard. Howard is 6-foot-1 and 219-pounds, Stuard is 6-foot-0 and 230-pounds Both have substantial defensive back experience. Howard missed the entire 2020 season, but he was in the queue to have a significant season. If Stuard can exploit his pass defense and hold his own against the running game, he has the makings of a special player in the NFL.

Special teamer – Special teams play is absolutely underappreciated in the NFL circles. And from his own admission, Grant Stuard is viewed by many NFL teams as a special teams specialist. And for all intents and purposes, that could be a very good thing. The Rams truly did not do well on returns nor on coverage units last year, and that is certainly something that must change this year.  In fact, many of the players who have met with the Rams have a few special team components like speed or great tackling skills that would be of great help to the Rams this year.

In the end, the LA Rams likely see either an LB/S hybrid or special teams player. Curiously enough, he will be happy to play in any capacity.  He currently projects as a seventh-round or priority free agent signing.