Janarion Grant

AFC Notes: Colts, Browns, Jets, Ravens

By Ben Levine | at June 30, 2018 11:12 am

Pierre Desir was having a breakout season for the Colts through nine games last year. The former fourth-rounder had already established a career-high in passes defended with seven, and he also compiled 32 tackles and one interception.

However, after forcing his way into the starting lineup, the 27-year-old suffered a season-ending pectoral injury in Week 13. Despite the injury, the organization still brought Desir back on a one-year deal, with the team expecting him to be ready for training camp. The cornerback is also confident he’ll be back, and he believes he can continue to build off his productive 2017 season.

“I think I’m going to be able to use my size and my length to my ability,” Desir told Jake Arthur of Colts.com. “It’s going to allow me to mess up the timing of the receivers, because the front seven — they are going to get some pressure. So that’s going to allow me to create opportunities to make some plays, so I think I fit well.

“I look at this year being a big year for me. Last year, the season didn’t end the way I wanted it to. I feel like I have a lot of upside, a lot of good football to play, and I’m definitely excited and looking forward to playing in this scheme and playing for these coaches.”

• Nate Ulrich of Ohio.com takes a look at some of the most intriguing position battles for the Browns offense as they head into training camp. With Joe Thomas retiring this offseason, the writer first points to left tackle as an intriguing position to watch. While Shon Coleman appeared to be atop the depth chart during spring practices, he didn’t do much to impress coaches, leading to the team adding free agent Greg Robinson to the mix. The team could also turn to second-round rookie Austin Corbett. Ulrich also points to wide receiver (where the depth chart is questionable behind Josh Gordon and Jarvis Landry) and running back (where any of Carlos Hyde, Duke Johnson, or Nick Chubb could earn the starting role) as interesting position battles.
• Darryl Slater of NJ.com explored which Jets players are currently on the roster bubble. Cornerback Rashard Robinson led the list, with the writer pointing to the player’s lack of production and offseason arrest. Cornerback Juston Burris, fullback Lawrence Thomas, offensive lineman Jonotthan Harrison, running back Thomas Rawls, tight end Clive Walford, receivers Charone Peake and Devin Smith, and linebacker Lorenzo Mauldin were listed as other potential roster casualties. Ultimately, Slater believes Burris has the best chance of sticking around, as coach Todd Bowles tends to carry “a bunch” of cornerbacks.
• Receiver Janarion Grant may have gone undrafted out of Rutgers, but Ryan Mink of BaltimoreRavens.com says the rookie still has a good chance of making the Ravens‘ roster. Following the loss of Michael Campanaro, the team is now searching for a new returner, and the speedy Grant seems to have the edge over Tim White. “Janarion Grant is a young man that I thought had exceptional college tape,” said special teams coordinator Jerry Rosburg. “He came in as a tryout player in our rookie minicamp and earned a roster spot because of those things and his skills as a receiver.”