Lions 2025 NFL Draft: Michigan DT Kenneth Grant Scouting Report

The Detroit Lions are one of a few teams in the first few rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft that could target defensive linemen with some of their premium picks. Michigan defensive tackle Kenneth Grant is gaining steam as a player who could be an immediate contributor in his first season.

Grant, often overshadowed by teammate Mason Graham, is still worthy of a selection high in the draft due to his abilities as a run-stuffer and interior pass rusher.

Michigan DT Kenneth Grant 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Notes

• Height: 6-4
• Weight: 331
• Recruiting: 2022 3-star, No. 444 national, No. 59 DL, No. 10 IN

Positives

• Freakish athlete reputed to have run a sub-5.00 40-yard dash when listed at almost 360 pounds. Insanely quick first step for someone this big.
• Resets the line of scrimmage with ease thanks to immense power that will disrupt starting NFL guards on Day 1.
• Able to disengage from blocks with ease when trying to stop the run, profiles as a player who should start instantly on first down and second down.
• Able to swat down passes at the line of scrimmage, shows great situational awareness when stopping the run and in pass rush situations.

If they were casting for a run-stuffing defensive tackle in a movie, Grant would be someons straight out of central casting. With some jaw-dropping explosion off the line for a 330-pound player, Grant's mammoth frame and ferocious motor combine to make someone who can help make plays in run defense.

Grant's ability to shove blockers off of him not only makes him a solid plug up the middle, but he exhibits more pass rush potential than defensive tackles 20 pounds lower. This is what could set him apart when compared to Ole Miss' Walter Nolen or Oregon's Derrick Harmon.

Negatives

• Can go long stretches without making any impact as a pass rusher, doesn't have a very deep collection of pass rush moves.
• Not as agile moving laterally as he is going straight ahead, zone-heavy running attacks could take advantage of suspect mobility.
• Carries some bad weight, played at around 350 pounds at some points in college and lost some juice as a result.

Grant's floor is that of a slid space-eater, but space-eaters don't get picked in the first round very often. While he can be an effective pass rusher at times, his effectiveness can take a major hit whenever anyone has the ability to stand up to his initial bullrush.

Grant plays well at around 330 pounds, but there were times throughout his Michigan career where he played above that designation. Keeping himself in the 330 range will help him be both a dominant run-stuffer and someone with upside as a rusher.

Kenneth Grant NFL Player Comparison: DJ Reader

Reader is a big body who will always make his money as a run defender, but he is not a complete liability rushing the passer. Grant should start early in his career and try to provide a solid facsimilie.

Kenneth Grant 2025 NFL Draft Grade: Late 1st Round

Grant should have no trouble wiggling his way into the Top 32 when the Draft comes around, as there's too much not to like for anyone who needs a boost in their run defense. The right defensive coach could turn him into a Pro Bowler before his rookie contract is up.