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http://www.nolalive.com/saints/t-p/i...4729227280.xml


Haslett had targeted LB in third round


Sunday April 27, 2003


By Benjamin Hochman
Staff writer

After the Saints announced their second-round pick, Coach Jim Haslett whispered keenly to a handful of writers.

"I know exactly who I want," Haslett said, in reference to their next draft pick. "Cie Grant."

At the time, there were 49 picks before the Saints' third-round pick (86th overall). When pick No. 86 came, Grant, a linebacker from Ohio State was available.

Grant was alone in a hotel room in his hometown of New Philadelphia, Ohio. While his boisterous and anxious family and friends awaited at his home, Grant was immune from any draft-day fever.

"I didn't want to be around a whole lot of people," said the 6-foot, 240-pound Grant. "This can be a stressful experience, so I had a hotel room. It was me, by myself, flipping back and forth from the draft to the NBA playoff games. I finally got that call from Coach, and I'm just really excited and ready to get after it."

Back in the draft room in New Orleans, the Saints' brain trust exchanged hugs of joy when their pick came and Grant was available. They had their man.

Grant, an outside linebacker, is a tremendous and versatile athlete, who played only one season as a starting linebacker -- he was a starter at cornerback in 2001.

"We got the guy that we had talked about for a long time," said Rick Mueller, Saints director of player personnel. "We're really excited about the level of play you get out of a guy who's only played linebacker for one year. Obviously, since he played corner in the Big Ten, you can tell this kid's athletic.

". . . I'm not sure where we'll line him up. He can play at least two of the three linebacker positions we have, and he should be an outstanding special teams player for us."

Grant, who will most likely play as a middle linebacker, is an intriguing pick. He's a speedster with a 4.37 40-yard dash time, and the Saints are thrilled with his ability to get to the ball.

He proved efficient as a linebacker on the 2002 national champions, finishing fourth on the team with 71 tackles (50 solo). And he made the game-ending hit on Miami quarterback Ken Dorsey in Ohio State's national championship victory over the Hurricanes.

"The national championship game was one of his better games," Mueller said (Grant recorded seven tackles in the game). "I don't know if it's a deal breaker, but it's definitely a positive."

Although it may take Grant some time to adjust to playing linebacker in the NFL, the Saints are pleased with his athleticism, and he should be a spark to the special teams. Mueller said the Saints probably wouldn't move him to safety, even though he has secondary experience.

"I just look forward to growing wherever they plug me, and to be the best I can be and help this team," Grant said.

Grant is the third linebacker in three years drafted by the Saints in the third round. Last year, James Allen was selected 82nd overall, and in 2001 Sedrick Hodge went 70th.

rodjmaw

THE MORE INFO I READ ON THIS GUY I LIKE. THE GUY IS SIMILAR TO DONNIE EDWARDS AND BARRETT GREEN. MY QUESTION IS DO ANYONE THINK HE CAN PLAY MLB? I HEAR NICK BARNETT WILL START MLB FOR GREENBAY, AND \"CIE\" IS SIMILAR IN SIZE WITH BETTER STRENGTH.