The Miami Dolphins had a major hole in their interior defensive line heading into the 2025 NFL Draft after losing their key starter and contributor. Calais Campbell signed with the Arizona Cardinals, and the team failed to find his replacement or add to their interior during free agency. The good news for the Dolphins is that they finally added talent in the draft.
The Miami Dolphins drafted a DL in Round 1
The Miami Dolphins drafted Kenneth Grant 13th overall in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Grant had a successful college career with the Michigan Wolverines, playing a significant role since his sophomore year, contributing to a National Championship in 2023, and earning him a Second-Team All-Big 10 selection in 2023, and a Second-Team All-Big Ten and Third-Team All-American honors in 2024.
Kenneth Grant had a great junior year, posting career highs in tackles and TFLs. Grant recorded 32 tackles, seven TFLs, and three sacks in 12 games. He also registered 27 pressures, a 9.4% pass-rush win rate, 17 run stops, and a 7.9% run-stop rate.
He signed his rookie contract
The Miami Dolphins signed Kenneth Grant to a four-year rookie contract. According to Spotrac’s projection, the deal is worth a fully guaranteed $21,924,122, including a $12,584,816 signing bonus. Grant is projected to earn $3,986,204 in Year 1, $4,982,755 in Year 2, $5,979,306 in Year 3, and $6,975,857 in Year 4. Since he was a first-round pick, he will have a fully guaranteed 5th-year option for the 2029 season, in which the Dolphins must decide by May 2028.
Here’s Lance Zierlein’s scouting report on the D-Lineman
“Grant is a broad-bodied nose tackle whose tape can run hot and cold depending on the game and the types of blocks he’s facing. He struggles to anchor when hit with down blocks due to his narrow base and tall pads, but he uses his power and length to beat single blocks and split double teams when he finds the crease.
“He had some sack production in college, and we could see him improve in that area once he learns to create more rush space with his hands. Grant’s game will finally come together in full when he’s able to take his impressive physical attributes and impose his will on opponents.”
