Charles Grant, an offensive tackle from William & Mary, has emerged as one of the most intriguing small-school prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. Standing at 6’4″ and weighing 300 pounds, Grant has transformed himself from an unranked high school recruit into a potential Day 3 selection with starting upside.
2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Charles Grant, William & Mary
College Career
Grant’s journey began at Churchland High School in Virginia, where he excelled as both an offensive lineman and All-State wrestler. This dual-sport background has contributed to his exceptional athleticism and mobility, traits that have become his calling card at the collegiate level.
At William & Mary, Grant developed into one of the premier offensive tackles in FCS football. He started 43 games, primarily at left tackle, logging an impressive 2,538 offensive snaps throughout his collegiate career. His junior season in 2023 was particularly noteworthy, as he earned First Team All-America honors from AFCA and Second Team selections from multiple outlets, including the Associated Press.
Grant’s impact was felt beyond individual accolades. During his sophomore year, he played a crucial role in William & Mary’s offensive success, helping the team rank third nationally in rushing at 265.8 yards per game.
Strengths
Athleticism and Mobility: Grant is widely regarded as one of the most athletic offensive tackle prospects in the 2025 draft class. His background in wrestling and his performance at William & Mary showcase his exceptional movement skills, particularly in space and when targeting defenders at the second level.
Technical Refinement: Grant’s technique is advanced for a small-school prospect. He displays efficient movement patterns and a solid understanding of leverage, which allows him to excel in pass protection situations.
Scheme Versatility: While Grant’s athleticism makes him an ideal fit for zone-based running attacks, his technical proficiency suggests he could adapt to various NFL offensive schemes.
Pass Protection: Grant’s mirror ability and efficient footwork translate well to pass protection at the next level. This skill set could allow him to contribute early in his NFL career, particularly in passing situations.
Weaknesses
Frame Limitations: At 300 pounds, Grant is on the lighter side for an NFL offensive tackle. This raises concerns about his ability to anchor against powerful NFL defensive linemen.
Competition Level: As with many small-school prospects, the level of competition Grant faced in the FCS will be scrutinized. The jump to NFL-caliber opponents will be significant and may require an adjustment period.
Developmental Timeline: Due to his physical limitations and the step up in competition, Grant is likely to require development time before competing for a starting role in the NFL.
NFL Projection
Grant projects as a Day 3 selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, likely in the 4th or 5th round. His immediate impact in the NFL is expected to be as a backup tackle with the potential to develop into a starter, particularly in movement-based offensive schemes.
Teams running outside zone concepts will likely value Grant’s mobility and technique, as these traits maximize his impact in such systems. His ability to move efficiently in space and target defenders at the second level makes him an intriguing prospect for teams that emphasize these skills in their offensive linemen.
Initially, Grant could serve as a swing tackle, providing depth at both left and right tackle positions. His pass protection skills suggest he could be valuable in obvious passing situations early in his career.
Development Plan
To maximize his potential, Grant’s NFL team should focus on:
1. Strength Development: Increasing his overall mass and improving his anchor strength to better handle powerful NFL defensive linemen.
2. Technique Refinement: While already technically sound, continuing to refine his hand placement and footwork against higher-level competition.
3. Positional Flexibility: Cross-training at guard could increase Grant’s value, especially if his frame limitations persist at tackle.
Conclusion
Charles Grant represents an intriguing Day 3 prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft. His exceptional athleticism, technical refinement, and production at William & Mary make him a developmental tackle with starting potential. While he may need time to adjust to NFL competition and build his frame, Grant’s mobility and pass protection skills give him a solid foundation to build upon.
For teams willing to invest in his development, particularly those running zone-based offenses, Grant could evolve into a valuable offensive line piece. His journey from unranked recruit to NFL prospect underscores his work ethic and potential for continued growth at the professional level.
