Kenneth Grant, a defensive tackle from the University of Michigan, is one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. Standing at 6’3″ and weighing 339 pounds, Grant possesses a rare combination of size, strength, and athleticism that has NFL scouts clamoring for his services.
2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Kenneth Grant, Michigan
College Career
Grant’s journey at Michigan was nothing short of impressive. As a freshman in 2022, he appeared in all 14 games, primarily on special teams and as a rotational piece on the defensive line. His sophomore season in 2023 was a breakout year, as he played a crucial role in Michigan’s national championship run. Grant earned Second Team All-Big Ten honors, recording 29 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, and an interception.
In his junior year, Grant continued to dominate, starting all 12 regular-season games and earning Third Team All-American honors. He finished the season with 32 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, and 2 fumble recoveries. Throughout his college career, Grant appeared in every game for the Wolverines, showcasing his durability and consistency.
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Strengths
Physical Attributes: Grant’s most apparent strength is his incredible combination of size and athleticism. At 339 pounds, he possesses elite burst and get-off for a player of his size. His enormous, wide frame allows him to occupy multiple blockers, making him a nightmare for offensive lines.
Run Defense: Grant’s lower body strength is exceptional, allowing him to anchor effectively at the line of scrimmage against the run. He’s particularly immovable when he digs his feet into the ground, especially against double teams. His ability to clog rushing lanes and create congestion makes him an elite run defender.
Pass Rush Potential: Despite his size, Grant isn’t just a run-stuffer. He rushes the passer with active hands and isn’t overly reliant on his bull rush to win reps. His quick first step puts immediate pressure on offensive linemen and quarterbacks.
Versatility: Grant has shown the ability to play multiple techniques along the defensive line. His combination of strength and quickness allows him to be effective as both a nose tackle and a 3-technique.
Football IQ: Grant is a quick processor who recognizes blocking schemes and adjusts accordingly. He’s particularly effective at reading and defeating down blocks.
Weaknesses
Flexibility: Grant’s massive build limits his flexibility, which can affect his ability to change direction quickly.
Pass Rush Moves: While he has shown potential as a pass rusher, Grant needs to develop a wider array of pass-rush moves to improve his production at the next level.
Hand Placement: Grant’s hand placement when attempting to shed blockers can be inconsistent. He often lands his hands wide on the offensive lineman, exposing his chest.
Arm Length: Grant appears to have shorter arms, which can limit his ability to extend and disengage from blocks.
Lateral Agility: Against outside zone runs, Grant can struggle to stay in his gap due to sub-par agility.
NFL Projection
Kenneth Grant projects as a mid to early first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. His rare combination of size, strength, and athleticism makes him an enticing prospect for teams looking to bolster their defensive line.
In the NFL, Grant has the potential to become one of the best run defenders in the league. His ability to eat up blocks and clog running lanes will make him an immediate asset to any defense. While he may start his career primarily as a two-down run-stuffer, his pass-rushing potential suggests he could develop into a three-down player with proper coaching and development.
Grant’s ceiling in the NFL is that of a top-five defensive tackle. At worst, he projects as a dominant run defender who can survive in the league for a long time. His versatility to play multiple techniques along the defensive line will make him valuable in various defensive schemes.
Teams running a 3-4 defense might view Grant as a potential nose tackle, while 4-3 teams could see him as a disruptive 1-technique or even a 3-technique in certain situations. His ability to push the pocket from the interior will be valuable in passing situations, even if he’s not racking up sacks.
In conclusion, Kenneth Grant is one of the most physically gifted defensive tackle prospects in recent years. While he still has areas to improve, particularly in his pass-rushing repertoire and technique, his combination of size, strength, and athleticism makes him a potential game-changer at the next level. NFL teams looking for a dominant interior presence should have Grant high on their draft boards.
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