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Dolphins Fifth-Rounder Predicted to Outplay Michigan Star

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nelson Hubbell | Last updated Jun 5, 2025 12:20 PM ET

The Miami Dolphins made a serious investment this offseason in their defensive line, looking to improve their run defense while bolstering the pass rush.

That investment includes three defensive tackles picked in April's draft: Kenneth Grant (13th overall), Jordan Phillips (143rd overall), and Zeek Biggers (253rd overall).

Initially, most fans expected the two late-round picks to only serve in depth roles, but Ben Sobleski at Bleacher Report is suggesting that Phillips could even outplay Grant this upcoming season.

Because of the Dolphins' 3-4 defensive scheme, players like Grant (6'4" 331lbs), Phillips (6'2" 312lbs), and Biggers (6'5" 321lbs) are limited to filling the nose tackle role, except in short-yardage or goal-line situations.

Sobleski argued that the 21-year-old Grant "has never quite pieced together everything from a physical and technique standpoint to be a dominant nose tackle."

Instead, he looks at Phillips, who is 20 until June 30th, as a more refined prospect because of his wrestling background and ability to absorb double teams. "Right now, Phillips may be better prepared to do so while the Dolphins' first-round investment refines his technique," Sobleski said.

However, Grant was more productive than Phillips in 2024 as a pass rusher and run stopper. Grant had 6.5 career sacks and 12 tackles for loss, compared to Phillips' zero career sacks and three tackles for loss.

Grant played at Michigan and Phillips at Maryland, facing similar competition. However, Michigan also had fifth overall pick Mason Graham playing right next to Grant for three years.

Time will tell how these rookies establish themselves in the middle of the Dolphins' defense, but expect Phillips and Grant to both get playing time in rotation with veteran Benito Jones.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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