Keep an eye on Larry Grant

May 15, 10:45 AMSt. Louis Rams ExaminerTim Klutsarits

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Last week the Rams released linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa with much controversy.  There have been many who have questioned the move.  Why would you replace a linebacker who has been the most productive player for the Rams at that position over the past 5 seasons?   One of the reasons is that the Rams believe that they have enough depth and talent on the roster that they can free up that money for other needs.  One of the reasons they believe they have enough depth, is because the Rams have a high belief in linebacker Larry Grant playing a bigger role for the Rams in the 2009 season.

Grant was a 7th round draft pick for the San Francisco 49ers out of Ohio State in 2008.  While with the Buckeyes he played alongside James Laurinaitis as a starting outside linebacker.  Grant had 5 sacks that season and while he did start at OLB he played all three linebacker positions as needed.  Grant is a tremendous athlete.  He was the JUCO national defensive player of the year in 2005.  On top of that he is a tremendous special teams player blocking 5 kicks in one season at the JUCO level and then blocking 3 kicks for Ohio State in his time there.  

Grant did not make the 49ers squad coming out of camp but did remain on the practice squad.  The 49ers tried to make Grant an OLB in the NFL and then tried to slide him in as a MLB while on the practice squad but he never was moved up onto the active roster.  The Rams picked Grant up in late November off the 49ers practice squad and he was immediately placed on the active roster.  Grant actually had 4 tackles in the final game for the Rams against the Falcons.

Very quietly Grant has been getting more and more onfield time with the Rams and although I wouldn't say he pushed Tinoisamoa out I would say that Head Coach Steve Spagnuolo is confident that the falloff won't be as great going from Tinoisamoa as a backup at LB to having Quinton Culberson, Larry Grant and Chris Chamberlain as the backups.

I'm not saying that Larry Grant is going to become and All-Pro linebacker but keep an eye on Grant as things progress through training camp and we get towards the season.

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