Charles Grant William & Mary OT: Pro Prospect’s Journey from College to NFL Draft
Charles Grant has quietly built one of the most impressive offensive tackle careers in William & Mary history. The senior left tackle has started an incredible 41 games for the Tribe. He also had 36 consecutive starts protecting the quarterback’s blind side. His technical refinement and consistency have made him a legitimate NFL draft prospect from the FCS level. Scouts have noted his ability to anchor a zone-heavy offensive attack.
Grant’s impact on the Tribe’s offense can’t be overstated. He helped William & Mary rank 13th nationally in rushing with 196.9 yards per game. The three-year starter earned well-deserved recognition when he was named to The Bluebloods Preseason All-America Second Team before his senior campaign.
NFL scouts are taking notice of the William & Mary tackle’s steady development. His zone-blocking expertise fits perfectly with what many NFL teams seek in modern offensive linemen. While FCS prospects often face questions about competition level, Grant’s technical refinement and extensive starting experience make him an intriguing mid-to-late round prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Contents
Early Years and College Career
Charles Grant’s journey to becoming an NFL prospect began with his early success in high school and continued through his impressive career at William & Mary. His development as an offensive tackle shows a consistent path of growth and achievement.
High School Achievements
Grant attended Churchland High School in Portsmouth, Virginia, where he established himself as a standout offensive lineman. His size and technical skills made him a formidable presence on the field, protecting quarterbacks and opening lanes for running backs.
During his high school career, Grant earned recognition for his blocking technique and footwork. He showed early signs of the discipline and intelligence that would later define his college career.
Coaches noted his ability to understand defensive schemes and adjust his blocking assignments accordingly. This football IQ, combined with his physical attributes, made him an attractive recruit for college programs.
Recruitment to William & Mary
The College of William & Mary recognized Grant’s potential and successfully recruited him to join their program. Though not heavily pursued by Power Five programs, Grant found a perfect fit with the Tribe.
His commitment to William & Mary represented a match between a program known for developing offensive line talent and a player with significant upside. Grant chose the Tribe over several other offers, appreciating the program’s balance of academics and athletic opportunity.
The recruitment process highlighted Grant’s priorities: finding a program where he could develop as both a student and an athlete. William & Mary’s tradition of producing NFL-caliber linemen with strong academic backgrounds aligned perfectly with his goals.
Performance with The Tribe
Grant’s career at William & Mary has been nothing short of exceptional. He started all 11 games at left tackle in his most recent season, anchoring an offensive line that powered a potent rushing attack. The consistency he displayed is remarkable – Grant has made 41 career starts, including 36 consecutive.
His performance helped William & Mary’s offense rank 13th nationally in rushing with 196.9 yards per game. Grant wears #60 for the Tribe and has been the cornerstone of their zone-heavy offensive scheme.
Grant’s Collegiate Accolades:
- The Bluebloods Preseason All-America Second Team
- Three-year starter at left tackle
- Key contributor to a top-15 national rushing offense
- 36 consecutive starts, demonstrating durability and reliability
NFL scouts have taken notice of Grant’s development. His technical proficiency, particularly in zone blocking schemes, projects well to the next level. He started his first career game in fall 2022 as a redshirt freshman and never looked back, establishing himself as the Tribe’s anchor at tackle.
Analysis of Charles Grant’s Playing Style
Charles Grant has developed into one of the most intriguing offensive line prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft class. His unique blend of wrestling background, athleticism, and technical growth has scouts taking notice despite his FCS pedigree.
Strengths in Pass Protection
Grant showcases remarkable pass protection skills that translate well to the next level. His wrestling-infused technique provides a solid foundation, allowing him to anchor effectively against power rushers. When facing speed off the edge, Grant demonstrates fluid kick-slides and excellent lateral movement.
What stands out most is Grant’s hand usage. He times his punches exceptionally well, landing them with precision and proper placement to control defenders. His recovery ability when initially beaten separates him from other tackle prospects in this class.
Grant maintains a balanced base throughout reps, rarely lunging or getting caught leaning. This technical discipline helps him redirect and mirror defenders through complete pass-rushing sequences.
Run Blocking Capabilities
In the run game, Grant has shown significant growth since adding mass to his frame. His added strength and bulk now match the physicality of his playing style, enabling him to create movement at the point of attack.
Grant excels particularly in zone schemes where his movement skills shine. He reaches defensive ends efficiently and climbs to the second level with controlled aggression and good body positioning.
| Run Blocking Metrics | Rating (1-10) |
|---|---|
| Point of Attack Power | 7.5 |
| Zone Blocking | 8.5 |
| Pull/Move Abilities | 8.0 |
| Second Level Targeting | 7.5 |
When asked to drive defenders, Grant attacks with active hands and demonstrates impressive leg drive. While not a people-mover by nature, his technique and leverage maximize his functional strength.
Versatility and Position Flexibility
Grant’s athletic profile and technical aptitude suggest considerable position flexibility at the next level. Though primarily an offensive tackle at William & Mary, his silky-smooth movement skills could translate to guard if needed.
His intelligence stands out on tape, as William & Mary trusted him with complex assignments and blocking schemes. Grant processes defensive rotations quickly and adjusts on the fly, suggesting he could handle NFL-level protection adjustments.
What makes Grant truly valuable is his developmental trajectory. Despite being under-recruited, he’s shown consistent improvement each season, indicating his ceiling remains high.
Current draft projections place Grant as a mid-round selection (Rounds 3-4), but impressive combine numbers could boost his stock considerably. NFL teams looking for high-upside developmental tackles will find Grant an intriguing prospect with starter potential by year two.
Pre-Draft Evaluation
Charles Grant has turned heads throughout the draft process with his impressive athleticism and developmental upside. NFL scouts have been closely monitoring his journey from a small-school standout to a legitimate pro prospect.
Senior Bowl Performance
Grant arrived in Mobile with something to prove. Coming from William & Mary, the FCS product needed to show he could handle higher-level competition—and he did just that.
The athletic tackle more than held his own against Power Five edge rushers during practice sessions. His footwork in pass protection drills drew consistent praise from scouts in attendance.
Grant’s performance particularly stood out during one-on-one drills, where his quick feet and natural bend helped him mirror speed rushers effectively. Several teams, including the Titans, immediately scheduled follow-up meetings after watching his impressive showing.
His Senior Bowl week wasn’t perfect—he occasionally struggled with power moves—but he undoubtedly improved his draft stock by demonstrating he belongs with the big boys.
Combine and Pro Day Results
Grant’s athletic testing confirmed what scouts witnessed on film. His 5.05 forty time ranked impressively for a man of his size and validated the movement skills teams love.
| Measurable | Result | Rank Among OTs |
|---|---|---|
| 40-yard dash | 5.05 seconds | Top 15 |
| Bench press | 24 reps | Middle tier |
| Vertical jump | 32 inches | Top 10 |
| Broad jump | 9’5″ | Top 12 |
| 3-cone drill | 7.36 seconds | Top 8 |
At his Pro Day, Grant impressed further with position drills that highlighted his lateral mobility and kick-slide technique. He appeared comfortable in space and demonstrated the functional strength that will translate to the next level.
His athletic profile suggests a perfect fit for zone-blocking schemes, where his ability to move and reach block will be maximized. Teams running such systems have shown particular interest.
Expert Projections
Draft analysts have Grant pegged as a mid-round selection with significant upside. His NFL.com draft profile suggests he’s valued highly for his developmental traits despite coming from a smaller program.
Most mock drafts have him going between rounds 3-5, with some seeing him as a potential day two steal. His draft ranking of #16 among offensive tackles suggests solid value in that range.
The Patriots have shown significant interest and are reportedly viewing him as a developmental prospect who could become a starter within two seasons. Other teams with tackle needs like the Titans have scheduled multiple meetings.
OT Charles Grant’s Draft Projection
Charles Grant from William & Mary is positioning himself as one of the most intriguing offensive tackle prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. His combination of athletic ability and technical skills has caught the attention of scouts despite coming from an FCS program. He’s currently projected as a mid-round selection with potential to rise.
Draft Stock
Grant is currently projected as a 3rd round pick, ranked 88th overall and 16th among offensive tackles. His stock has been steadily rising following impressive performances throughout his senior season.
The William & Mary standout has put together an impressive resume with 44 college games under his belt, showcasing remarkable durability. As an FCS All-American, Grant has dominated at his level of competition, though evaluators remain cautious about his transition to the NFL.
What’s particularly appealing about Grant is his technical refinement. Despite playing against lesser competition, his footwork and hand placement show the kind of polish that translates to any level.
| Attribute | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rank | 88 | Mid-round value |
| Position Rank | 16 | Solid OT prospect |
| College Games | 44 | Extensive experience |
| Draft Projection | 3rd Round | Could rise with strong workouts |
Potential Team Fits
Grant could be an ideal landing spot for the Philadelphia Eagles, as they’ve shown a willingness to develop offensive line talent. Their aging offensive line could use an infusion of youth, making Grant a sensible target in the middle rounds.
The New England Patriots have also shown interest, viewing Grant as “a project worth investing in.” With their rebuilding offensive line, they could afford to develop Grant over time.
Other potential fits include the Pittsburgh Steelers, who have met with Grant multiple times and have a history of developing mid-round offensive linemen into starters. The Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings round out teams with offensive tackle needs who could target Grant.
Analysis of Draft Needs
The offensive tackle class in the 2025 NFL Draft features several high-end prospects, but depth remains a concern. Grant fills an important mid-round niche as a developmental prospect with starter upside.
His biggest challenges include adjusting to NFL-level competition and addressing concerns about his height, which is “on the lower end of what teams look for in an offensive tackle.”
At an unofficial 6’4″, 300 pounds, Grant lacks the prototypical size of an NFL tackle.
However, Grant’s technical proficiency and athletic traits suggest he could develop into a reliable starter with proper coaching. Teams with established veteran tackles would be ideal destinations, allowing Grant time to develop before being thrust into a starting role.
Impact on Team’s Offense
Charles Grant has been a transformative force for William & Mary’s offensive line, serving as the cornerstone of their offensive success over four seasons. His technical growth and physical development have directly translated to improved team performance in both passing and rushing attacks.
Contribution to Pass Offense
Grant’s evolution as a pass protector has been nothing short of remarkable. The 6’5″, 315-pound left tackle allowed just three sacks across his final two seasons, earning All-American honors twice. His wingspan and improved footwork made him nearly impenetrable on the quarterback’s blind side.
NFL scouts have taken notice of Grant’s pass protection skills, particularly his ability to handle speed rushers. His hand placement has become increasingly refined, allowing him to redirect defenders with minimal effort.
What separates Grant is his football IQ despite his relatively late start in the sport. He recognizes blitz packages quickly and communicates adjustments effectively across the line.
Enhancing the Run Game
Grant’s impact on William & Mary’s ground attack cannot be overstated. Under his leadership at left tackle, the Tribe ranked 13th nationally in rushing with nearly 197 yards per game. His ability to create running lanes through both power and technique made him invaluable.
Grant showcases exceptional mobility for a player who reportedly gained 60 pounds since arriving on campus. He excels at reaching the second level to eliminate linebackers and seal edge defenders on outside runs.
| Season | Team Rush Yards/Game | Team Sacks Allowed | Games Started |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 196.9 | 12 | 11 |
| 2023 | 185.3 | 14 | 12 |
| 2022 | 172.1 | 21 | 11 |
His development from raw prospect to polished run blocker represents one of the most compelling aspects of his draft profile. Grant’s ceiling as a run blocker has scouts projecting him as a potential day two selection despite coming from an FCS program.
Off-Field Influence
Charles Grant’s impact at William & Mary extends far beyond his impressive performances on the football field. His presence has shaped both team dynamics and the broader community through consistent leadership and engagement initiatives.
Leadership and Team Dynamics
Grant has established himself as a cornerstone of leadership within the Tribe’s locker room. As a four-year starter and two-time Associated Press All-American, his veteran presence provides stability for younger players navigating the challenges of collegiate athletics.
Team captains often lead by example, but Grant adds vocal leadership to his repertoire. During spring practices, he regularly stays late to work with freshman linemen on technique refinement.
“I took a shot on them, and they took a shot on me,” Grant explained when discussing his commitment to William & Mary’s program. “It paid off for both of us.”
His decision to remain with the Tribe despite transfer portal opportunities demonstrates a loyalty increasingly rare in college athletics. This commitment resonated throughout the locker room, solidifying team cohesion during his 36 consecutive starts.
Community Engagement
Grant’s community involvement mirrors his on-field dedication. The William & Mary standout organizes biweekly reading sessions at local elementary schools, promoting literacy throughout Williamsburg.
His charitable work extends to food drives and youth football camps, where he leverages his growing platform to benefit the community that supported his development. Unlike many draft prospects who withdraw from campus life, Grant maintained these commitments throughout his final season.
The tackle’s connection to the area runs deep. “Being from the area, I knew how prestigious William & Mary was,” Grant noted when explaining his initial college choice.
This regional connection translates into approximately 150 community service hours annually, making him one of the most engaged student-athletes in William & Mary’s recent history. His community presence has helped strengthen town-gown relations and established a legacy beyond athletic achievements.
Cultural Impact and Nicknames
Charles Grant has become a beloved figure at William & Mary, known both for his dominance on the field and his character off it. His impact extends beyond just blocking statistics to the way he’s influenced the program’s culture and connected with the Tribe faithful.
“Cookie” – The Origin and Appeal
The nickname “Cookie” has followed Grant throughout his collegiate career, becoming as recognizable as his number 75 jersey. The moniker originated during his freshman year when teammates noticed his fondness for post-practice snacks, particularly chocolate chip cookies from the dining hall.
“It just stuck,” Grant once explained with his trademark smile. “Some guys try to fight their nicknames. I embraced mine.”
The nickname gained campus-wide popularity during the 2022 season when Grant anchored William & Mary’s zone-heavy attack as part of his eventual 41 career starts.
Student sections would wave cookie signs during games, and local bakeries even created special “Grant’s Blocks” cookies.
What truly cemented “Cookie” in Tribe lore was Grant’s selfless act of donating bone marrow in 2023. The juxtaposition of his gentle nickname with such a profound act of kindness created a powerful narrative around the 6’5″ tackle.
NFL scouts have taken notice of both Grant’s play and personality. His nickname has even appeared in draft profiles, with analysts noting how it reflects his approachable leadership style.
