The crazy time of year that is free agency is fast approaching, so KCChiefs.com has you covered with a 30-day free agency look, highlighting the 30 most intriguing free agents or players who could be released/traded during the offseason.
You may have noticed, there are no restricted free agents on the list, largely because they rarely leave their current teams. None of the reports are indicative of the Chiefs plans for the 2013 free agency season.
DAY 22 of 30
San Francisco 49ers LB Larry Grant found himself in a tough spot, placed behind Pro Bowl linebackers, NaVorro Bowman and Patrick Willis, which led to him recording one tackle throughout the 2012 NFL Playoffs. However, his roles with the 49ers were executed in a way that could open doors for Grant, in 2013. Here's a look at some of his strengths and weaknesses.
Name: Larry Grant
Position: LB
Height: 6'1
Weight: 251
College: Ohio State
Born: February, 16 1985 (Santa Rosa, California)
Age: 27
Experience: 4 years
Drafted: 7th Round-214th pick overall by the San Francisco 49ers
STRENGTHS:
David Fucillo, from 49ers blog, Niners Nation, described Grant's role in 2012 as "almost exclusively a special teams player" and said "he can make the needed tackles" and "appears to be a solid complementary (LB) option."
To Fucillo's point, Grant was phenomenal in 2011, replacing the injured Patrick Willis. In the three-plus games for Willis, Grant totaled 29 tackles, two sacks and defended five passes.
Notable performances by Grant (in Willis' absence) in 2011:
Week 13: 6 tackles, 1 sack *(Willis started the game and left due to injury)
Week 14: 11 tackles, 1 pass deflection
Week 15: 5 tackles, 4 pass deflections
Week 16: 12 tackles, 1 forced fumble
WEAKNESSES:
Every-Down, Starting Experience
Grant has not seen consistent action throughout his NFL tenure, playing a total of 21 defensive snaps in 2012.
He has 11-career NFL starts, under his belt.
Consistent Focus
He has shown a tendency to get lost in coverage and be easily fooled on misdirection plays.
FINAL TAKE:
Despite garnering little interest last offseason, as a restricted free agent, his outstanding play on specials teams, and at LB, filling in for Patrick Willis, will certainly be highlighted on his demo reel and watched by potential suitors.
Another thing Grant has working in his favor, his attitude:
"Of course everybody wants to play, but I know my role here (with the 49ers)," Grant said. "They've got the two best guys in the business in front of me. I'll get my opportunity one day."
