INDIANAPOLIS — In the eyes of new Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Ryan Grant, he has another level to which he can ascend — similar to the way legendary rapper Tupac blew up once he began collaborating with fellow rapper and producer Dr. Dre.
"I don't know if you've seen the movie All Eyez on Me, the 2pac (biopic)," Grant said to the media earlier this offseason. "You know, before he hooked up with Dr. Dre, no one really knew who he was. But when he got with Dre, you know, he was boomin'. So I feel like that's kind of how I am comin' here to Indy."
Grant has been a respectable receiver to this point in his five-year NFL career — totaling 84 catches for 985 yards and six touchdowns — but he feels hooking up with Colts quarterback Andrew Luck could send Grant and the Colts offense to "California Love" levels.
Part of what drew Grant to the Colts this offseason is what the new offense offers under head coach Frank Reich and coordinator Nick Sirianni.
Grant pointed to the success that the two had in prior stints with the Philadelphia Eagles and Los Angeles Chargers, respectively. Before arriving in Indianapolis, Reich was Philadelphia's offensive coordinator, and Sirianni was Los Angeles' wide receivers coach.
For Reich's Eagles, Grant specifically mentioned their ability to convert on third down, finishing eighth in the NFL in 2017 (41.7%). For Siranni's Chargers, it was their overall offense, finishing fourth in the league at 376.6 yards per game.
Another bonus for a player like Grant is he can see the success that fellow receivers like Keenan Allen, Alshon Jeffery, Nelson Agholor and Tyrell Williams have had in the past with the Colts' new offensive leaders.
"He's a great guy. His teaching philosophy is great," Grant said about Sirianni. "I'm buying into everything he's bringing to the table."
