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Dolphins' First Round Pick Earns Praise From Defensive Coaches

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Douglas Santo | Last updated Aug 4, 2025 6:34 PM ET

The Miami Dolphins drafted defensive tackle Kenneth Grant with the 13th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, and hope he'll slot in opposite of recently extended Zach Sieler to make an immediate impact.

Grant impressed throughout the spring in team activities, but it's hard to get a good read on linemen without pads on. Now that the Dolphins are a couple of weeks into training camp, the rookie defensive tackle is coming to life.

Dolphins' defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver was asked about Grant's performance so far, and he had nothing but positive things to say.

"Awesome, awesome," Weaver said (h/t Palm Beach Post). "He's everything we thought we'd be. I think his game particularly comes to life when the pads come on, right? And you've seen the impact it can have both in the middle of the pocket as a run defender and as a pass rusher."

Kenneth Grant in practice today. (@MiamiDolphins) #PhinsUp pic.twitter.com/xSLvHeA7zN
— FinsXtra (@FinsXtra) August 3, 2025

Grant displayed his run defending and pass rush abilities in college at Michigan. The standout defensive tackle anchored a ruthless Wolverines defense that led them to a national championship in 2023.

In his final two years at Michigan, Grant collected 61 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks. The defensive tackle also defended 10 passes, recovered three fumbles, and intercepted a pass.

Grant joins a Dolphins defensive line that could turn into one of the best in the league. Sieler showed what he's capable of over the last two seasons, and now Miami has edge rushers Bradley Chubb, Jaelan Phillips, and Chop Robinson all healthy.

Grant has a lot of talent around, but Dolphins' defensive line coach Austin Clark is confident in the rookie to fit in with the group.

"I think he's working himself into shape," Clark said (Palm Beach Post). "I think he works extremely hard. Very smart player. I would say that's the thing that's impressive, learning multiple spots, stuff like that. Pleased where he's at, but he knows we got a long way to go and fired up for these next couple of practices."

The Dolphins will continue practice this week as they prepare for their first preseason game on Saturday, August 10, against the Chicago Bears. Miami will also have a joint practice with the Bears on Friday.

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

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