By PFW staff
July 11, 2008

The Niners announced Friday morning that they have signed their 2008 seventh-round draft pick, LB Larry Grant. Grant, a 6-1, 235-pounder out of Ohio State, is the second of the Niners' six '08 picks to sign a contract, joining sixth-round draft pick Josh Morgan.

Interestingly, sources close to the team believe both Grant and Morgan could make immeidate contributions this coming season. Morgan saw much more action in Niners' minicamps and OTAs than the average Niners rookie. Grant, meanwhile, was told directly by head coach Mike Nolan that he was in the running for the team's starting ILB job alongside '07 rookie sensation Patrick Willis.

Citing Grant's positives in Pro Football Weekly's 2008 Draft Preview, PFW draft expert Nolan Nawrocki wrote: "Gives good effort and chases hard to the ball. Is versatile and has lined up at a number of positions. Good agility. Tough. Secure open-field tackler. Has been very durable."

Nawrocki also indicated, however, that Grant needed "to get stronger and play with better pad level."