Draft Analysis: Grant Dubose

April 19, 2023 /
  • Height: 6’2″
  • Weight: 201 lb
  • College: Charlotte
  • Tape watched: Western Kentucky, Middle Tennessee State, Maryland, Louisiana Tech
  • NFL Comparison: Muhsin Muhammad

Pros

  • Size
    With legit NFL size, Dubose should not struggle with the physicality of the NFL. A true 6’2” and muscular frame Dubose really excels by wearing defenses down with his strength.  He successfully leans on defenders and controls the contact.
Bully ball against projected first-round pick Deonte Banks. While Banks gets a good punch in at the line, Dubose makes up by leaning Banks off the catch point.
  • YAC
    Dubose runs with a tenacity that few receivers possess.  He can move piles and will pick up valuable extra yards.
  • Blocking
    Very few receivers in the ’23 class have the power and effort Dubose displays in the run game.  He can be a punishing run blocker, both through pancake blocks and sheer force of driving defenders out of plays.  He needs to become a little more consistent by not opting for kill shots as he occasionally whiffs.
Bottom of the screen

Midline

  • Hands
    Dubose had too many drops to consider his hands a strong point with six in 12 games and a near 9% drop rate.  He makes tough catches however and shows great balance within contact and on the sideline.  Converting more contested catches could change his NFL trajectory.
  • Release
    While Dubose isn’t the quickest receiver off the line, he does excel with his hand usage.  There is more to be desired of him playing with more strength in his releases, but he successfully manages press contact.  There are inconsistencies with his explosion into his route stem that he can improve on.

Cons

  • Separation
    A top percentile of contested catch targets not only means that Dubose was trusted in those situations, but also because he often failed to separate from defenders.  Dubose has stiff hips and can be slow into and out of his route breaks.  He is not a threat to run past defenders either.
  • Route Running
    Dubose is a very raw route runner that was given a hindering route tree at Charlotte.  Dubose ran a lot of quick slants, verticals, and comeback routes.  He did not have the greatest feel for zone coverage, which resulted in more contested situations.
  • Versatility
    Grant Dubose primarily operated as an X and Z receiver.  He very rarely lined up in the slot, and when he did it was often to block down on linebackers and safeties.  A path to a big-slot role could be hindered by experience and route running development.

Overview

Grant Dubose gives teams a much-needed option for a big and physical receiver within a class that generally lacks them.  Dubose has valuable consistency as well, playing all 24 games of his two-year career, posting similar stats in each.  He can be a potential bully in the NFL, using his long arms and powerful upper body to fend off cornerbacks.  His route running and overall speed profile should make him available after Day 2, but the upside is undeniable.  If a team can unlock his potential as a slot receiver, his size and blocking prowess would make him valuable there.