Locked On Colts - Daily Podcast On The Indianapolis Colts - Kylen Granson Player Profile with 247Sports' Billy Embody

Episode Date: May 17, 2021

On today's episode, Evan is joined by 247Sports' SMU beat writer Billy Embody to continue our next Colts rookie player profile. This time, former SMU Mustangs tight end Kylen Granson gets the in-depth analysis from all angles. After covering Granson up-close for two years, Embody brings excellent insight into who Granson was on and off the field before becoming the Indianapolis Colts' 4th-round pick.What were some of Granson's best moments at SMU? Are there any concerns to be worried about? What about Granson's character on and off the field made head coach Frank Reich believe he was the perfect fit in Indy? Embody tosses out a player comparison for Granson that will make Colts fans smile ear to ear.All of this, plus so much more, as the Colts rookie player profile series continues on! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You are Locked On Colts, your daily Indianapolis Colts podcast, part of the Locked On Podcast Network, your team every day. Hello everybody, welcome back into your latest episode of Locked On Colts, part of the Locked On, the Colts Party Locked On Podcast Network. Today's always your host, Evan Cedri, joined by Billy Embody of 24-7 Sports Covers SMU as well as LSU over on the network over there. Does great work.

Billy, how you doing today? Doing well. How are you? Doing great. Really appreciate coming on today because we are going to be talking on our next player profile series. We already covered Quidipe. We've covered Dayo Odengbo.

And now on to the Colts' third pick in the 2021 draft, their fourth round pick at 127 overall, Kylan Grant's in the SMU tight end. A really productive career for Grant's and over his two years at SMU was a transfer from Rice. What stood out to you most, Billy, over the last two years watching Grant's kind of ascend into a top tight end prospect in this year's draft class? I think the biggest thing that stood out about Kylan Granson was how he transformed his body. He came in as a wide receiver, a bigger wide receiver from Rice as a transfer.

And when he came on campus, we really just heard all about his athleticism and how he ran a 4-4 laser, a 40-yard dash for the summer workouts as he got there and got going. And they said, if you put on about 30 pounds, you can be one of the best tight ends in the country. And they felt that way, knowing what he did at Rice as a receiver a little bit. And he transformed his body. He kept his speed. and he emerged as really, I would say, probably the best tight end in the last probably 15 years at SMU. I mean, he was unbelievable for SMU. He had his moments as a senior that he probably wants back a little bit, some drops in critical moments, but for the most part, I mean, he was heavily relied upon by the offense. He was a big safety blanket. He also made some big plays. He was on the receiving end of a lot of trick plays. But

the thing that stood out to me the most about him was how he transformed his body into really making this all happen. Yeah, and that was the big question I was reading up on Granton after he was drafted by the Colts was he was sort of a big jumbo wide receiver at Rice. But Sonny Dykes, the SMU head coach, saw him more as a move tight end, and he can bulk up a little bit, add on to his frame, around 6'1", 240 pounds. What's dealt to you most? Obviously, Sonny Dykes runs a very up-tempo, pass-heavy system SMU. It felt like when I went back and watched SMU games, Billy, Granson kind of fit the offense like a glove in the role he was put in. Yeah, and they've had some success wherever Sonny Dyches has been

using the tight end. And sometimes these air-raid offenses, they really can have an underrated tight end in a way. And you just think about wide receivers, but sometimes the tight end really helps things go for these offenses. And as Sonny Dyches got to SMU, he really wanted to morph it into a little bit of an air-raid power spread. So for Kylan Granson to be put in the really wanted to morph it into a little bit of an air raid power spread.

So for Kylan Granson to be put in the positions that he was put into, and what I mean by that is they just seemed to set up things for him. And there were some games where the defenses really did a good job of taking him away and they couldn't get the ball to him much at all. But there were more often than not times that he got open things worked they set up the plays very well whether it be with early game play calling or like I mentioned some of the trick plays they did he was productive for the most part in his career because they found fun ways to kind of get him the ball whether it be in space or on deep cross crossing routes or like I mentioned some of those trick plays yeah honestly with Br, his speed for a guy his size really threw me off guard a little bit because he is a really good runner,

a good route runner especially for someone his size. And he does have kind of an aggressive running style too, Billy. Just from looking back on Branson's career at SMU, what stood out most to you as far as just any memorable games that stand out to you over his career? I know there's some really productive ones in the box for there, but a couple from Colts fans perspective that want to get to know more about Grant Center. Are there a couple games to you that really stand out? I think the TCU game. That was one where he really showed out and stepped up in a big way for SMU. I mean, the opening play of the game was really what set the tone

for that upset win in 2019. That was his kind of announcing himself as the rival. He'd put in all this work during the 2018 season when he sat out, and he showed up in that game and had four catches for 83 yards. Didn't have a touchdown, but I believe the first play of the game, if I'm not mistaken, it might have been second, but first play of the game, if I'm not mistaken, it might've been second, but first play of the game, he has a trick play that goes for a big gain and kind of gave SMU that boost for them to get the job done against TCU. He averaged 20 yards

a catch in that game against TCU. And then against East Carolina in a complete barn burner in 2019. Seven catches, 131 yards, three touchdowns on the day. Those were the two games that really stood out to me the most. And unfortunately for Kylan, the reason why he didn't really have, I think, the senior year that he wanted in a way was because of some of the drops as a senior. And whether that be having the limited offseason and guys just weren't as sharp overall, I felt like, on SMU's offense or whatever the reason.

You know, there were just some moments in 2020 that were kind of overshadowed by those drops. So, for me, the 2019 season for him was what really, really, you know, made him go. I would say, too, that, you know, the Temple game for SMU where they kind of hung in there, he had six catches, 149 yards, and a touchdown on the road in a game where they really struggled early on. So he was a big factor in getting that win, which ended up being their last win of the year,

even though it was against a 1-6 Temple team. He showed up and really produced in a big way there. So I would say those two 2019 games were what stood out to me the most. He was a huge factor, and that was really the reason why they won those games. Hey, Colts fans, listen up. Nugenix, the number one selling free testosterone booster at GNC, is offering a complimentary bottle to all football fans in America. To get your complimentary bottle of Nugenix Total, text DRAFT to 231231. This unique man-boosting formula is powered by testofen, which helps

boost free testosterone and total testosterone levels and increase energy and lean muscle mass. Plus, texts now include a bottle of Nugenics Thermo, their most powerful fat incinerator ever, with key ingredients to help you get back in shape absolutely free. Text DRAFT to 231231. That's DRAFT, D-R-A-F-T, to 231-231. Medicine data rates may apply. Stonks, memes, rocket ships, day training can be a lot of fun. But if you want to grow your long-term wealth and make it to the moon, you should open up a Wealthfront investment account today. Wealthfront can create a portfolio of globally diverse, low-cost index funds personalized just for you in minutes.

No manual trades, no picking stocks, no watching the stock market every day. They automatically handle all the investing based on preferences you control. Wealthfront can even help you lower the tax you pay as you invest. For the average client, their tax loss harvesting can more than cover the low annual 0.25% advisory fee. Best of all, it's automatic. Wealthfront is trusted with over $20 billion of assets, and you can get your first $5,000 managed for free by going to Wealthfront.com slash LockedOnNFL.

All you need is $500 to get started. Grow your wealth the easy way and let Wealthfront do the work for you. To get your first $5,000 managed for free for life, go to Wealthfront.com slash LockedOnNFL. That's Wealthfront, W-E-A-L-T-H-F-R-O-N-T.com slash LockedOnNFL to start growing your savings. Go to Wealthfront.com slash LockedOnNFL and get started today. I'm glad you brought up that Granson and the drop issue

because that's something that the Colts themselves are sort of not worried about. That one game last year in 2020 was against Cincinnati where I believe he had four drops in that game, Billy. Is that worry on the next level of Granson? Is he really like not that sure hand or really was this a blip on the radar that maybe just scared off some teams? It does worry me only because it came against Cincinnati, you know, the best team on SMU schedule this year, a really, really good defense, physical defense. So for whatever reason,

he had those drops. And when you look at the opponent, that's where you're kind of like, okay, maybe it was a blip on the radar or just kind of a random piece of his career that just didn't go his way. But for it to be on that stage, I mean, I think that kind of stood out to me a little bit. I think long term, it doesn't worry me too much. But the only thing I guess I would have hesitation by, you know, in saying no completely is that it was a really, really big opponent and a big stage for him. And it really hurt SMU in the end. You hinted at this at the top of the podcast, Billy, just talk about Granson's role in the offense. But obviously, SMU's high tempo offense under Sonny Dykes, there's a lot of weapons.

Shane Buchel, the Texas transfer, was running the system for them. Was Granson kind of the focal point of that offense? Or what other weapons in SMU stood out where maybe Granson was more of a B or C option? Or was he truly the A option? Yeah, Reggie Robertson, I mean, when he went down, I mean, that kind of changed things. I think Danny Gray and Rasheed Rice, the two other receivers for SMU were kind of nicked up during the course of the year. And I would say that when Reggie Robertson is healthy, I mean, he's your number one receiver. He's a Blitnikoff Award semifinalist in 2019.

He's really, really good. He's really what made the offense go. Kylan Granson, though, is probably option two, I would just say, just because of how much they set things up for him. And when he was getting receptions, it would really open up the offense and make defenses defend the whole field. So, I mean, I just think with Reggie Robertson's deep ball ability and just how dominant he was when healthy, That's why he's option number one. But, you know, Kylan, you know, made plays and that allowed everybody else to really eat. One thing that stood out to me, Billy, just with Kylan Granson,

watching some interviews with him, hearing him talk to the Colts media, was his character seemed like it's off the charts. GM Chris Ballard, head coach Frank Reich, really loved his character throughout the process. From covering Granson over the last two years yourself, Billy, I mean, what kind of character, what kind of person is Kylan Granson that they're adding into the Colts locker room? He's one of the better young men I've been around. He's very mature.

He's philanthropic. He's got his charity that he works with, KG83 Kids, I think is what it's called. And he's done a really good job since he left school, starting to push that even more. Was a leader in the locker room. I believe he was a captain. I mean, just everything you wanted in a player. And the story, too.

I mean, you look at what he did going from Rice and kind of being like a random add-on by Sonny Dykes and the staff to the team. But once they got him, they said, oh my, we might have something special here. And he needed to put in the work and he did. So he's motivated. He's probably got a chip on his shoulder. I mean, I can see him having a very, very good NFL career in a way.

He kind of reminds me of Dallas Clark in a way. I mean, I was a big fans football guy. I always drafted Dallas Clark back in the day. And I just feel like he's got kind of that build in a way that we don't see as much anymore. And I think he's going to have a chance to be a really good NFL tight end. I don't know if he's going to be as good as Dallas Clark was. But man, I think he's gotten that potential in him just by his building. Just kind of that fit.

Bet online is the fastest and easiest way to bet on all your sports action. Baseball scenes in full swing and track all the action over a bet online. You got all the latest nudes, odds and info for all your sporting needs, including MLB, NBA, NHL, and all your UFC MMA action.

Before the next pitch, have a bet online, your laptop or mold device device and check out all the great sporting news, sign up bonuses and contest information. Don't sign on the signs anymore this is your chance to get into the game as teams prepare for their runs to the playoffs. Head to the website or use mold device right now to sign up today

and you'll receive 50% off welcome bonus on your first deposit. Again that's 50% off on your first deposit of BetOnline and while you're using the promo code LOCKEDON L-O-C-K-E-D-O-N. Again the promo code LOCKEDON when you go of BetOnline and while you're using the promo code LOCKEDON, L-O-C-K-E-D-O-N. Again, the promo code LOCKEDON when you go to BetOnline. BetOnline, your online sportsbook experts. And Bill, you have Colts fans smiling ear to ear

with the Dallas Clark comparison because that's one of the greatest tight ends of all time in Colts franchise history. If Grint's coming anywhere close to Dallas Clark, that's a huge home run, especially in the fourth round for the Colts. But going over to just a fit in Indianapolis with Frank Reich,

he loves his tight ends. We've seen Jack Doyle, Molly Cox, Trey Burton, Eric Ebron, especially in 2018 when Andrew Luck was the quarterback, really feasted. He loves using tight end sets, multiples of that. They mentioned that Grant's going to be using the slot a lot. He'll be just their move tight end. They can just find mismatches against the safeties and linebackers in the NFL in the middle of the field.

Do you like the fit for Grantanson that reaches full potential in a system like the Indianapolis Colts where it seems like the head coach really is in love with the prospect? Yeah, I think when the head coach is all in on a prospect that's being drafted, that helps them long-term. And I think you made a great point about that with the Colts. They're on board with him, and they see him as somebody who can come in and impact them in a positive way.

And I couldn't agree more. And when you're going to be given every opportunity to make a play and make an impact, that is all you can ask for as a draft prospect when you're selected and picked. I mean, we kind of saw James Prochet, you know, from SMU's perspective, get picked last year by the Baltimore Ravens, and he had some moments here and there that he was allowed to take a shot, but just never really felt like he got on the field much

with that receiving core, and it always seems like they're going to try to upgrade it and whatnot. So you just don't know where his future sits there, I guess. But with the Colts being all on board with Kylan Granson, maybe we'll see a little bit of an opposite take on that front and see him really get the chance to emerge as a top young tight end in the NFL because of it. Billy, last question I have for you.

Appreciate the time today. Any closing thoughts for Coltons out there listening to this with Kylan Granson, whether it be on the field, off the field, the whole package, it seems like he just really fits the Colts identity to a tee. And from you covering up close the last couple of years, any closing thoughts here to those out there listening about Grant and what they're getting? I think on the field, his speed, you know, for his size, he can still really move and move well. Despite putting on that extra 30 pounds. I think that was the big thing that stood out. I mean, he outran multiple safeties and corners, you know,

kind of down the sideline on a few catches here or there that really extended the play and made it a big play off the field. Again, I just go back to that character. I think he's just a great young man, comes from a great family. It's going to be really exciting to watch him because you, you kind of root for guys like this to, to make it happen and to be successful on and off the field because he's been that, I mean, he's been such a fun cover for, for us on the media side of things. And I'm excited to see where he goes.

Cause I think he's just such a really got a really good personality and, and way about him. So yeah, I would say just his character off the field and his speed on the field. Billy, I appreciate the time today going over Kylan Grants for the last 10 or 15 minutes. Colts fans, go ahead and follow Billy on Twitter. You're not already at BillyMBody. He covers LSU for GO 24-7 and SMU for SMU 24-7. Go ahead and follow him over on Twitter, like I mentioned, at BillyMody. Billy, appreciate the time today going over Kylan Grant. I think after talking to you today, I'm even more excited about this pick than I was before. Anytime. We'll do it again soon.