Bengals meet with Charles Grant

William and Mary grad seems to be a worthwhile project

“Intriguing” is a word that gets thrown around a lot when it comes to NFL prospects, and offensive lineman Charles Grant of William and Mary, who visited the Cincinnati Bengals recently, certainly fits the bill.

At 6-foot-4 and only 300 pounds, Grant is certainly on the smallish side, especially in the rough-and-tumble AFC North. But both his talent and his character are undeniable.

Grant was a team captain and consensus FCS All-America First Team selection at left tackle (Associated Press, American Football Coaches Association, Stats Perform, Phil Steele, Walter Camp, FCS Athletic Directors Association, and FCS Football Central).

He was the only offensive lineman selected as a Payton Award Watch List Finalist (FCS National Offensive Player of the Year) and finished his career with 41 starts, including a streak of 36 straight. Grant allowed just one sack in 2024 and only two over his final three seasons. He was also an AFCA Good Works Team nominee in recognition of his outstanding community service.

While Grant’s physical limitations will probably make him a Day 3 selection at best, he has displayed exceptional toughness throughout his college career. With a little time and weight room development, Grant could easily develop into one of the hidden gems of the draft.

The Bengals are one of at least 30 teams that will meet with Grant. Others include the Titans, Ravens, Texans, Raiders, Eagles, and Falcons.