In what was a much needed move to bolster their defensive front, the Miami Dolphins selected Michigan defensive tackle Kenneth Grant with the 13th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
The pick has come one year after losing DT Christian Wilkins. Wilkins was selected with the 13th overall pick in the 2019 NFL draft. Wilkins is known for his size, relentless motor, versatility, and leadership. His departure left a glaring hole in the Miami Dolphins defense, both in terms of production and presence. While Zach Sieler remains a standout interior lineman, the Dolphins lacked a true anchor to dominate the trenches alongside him. The answer comes in Grant, who has been a cornerstone of Michigan’s 2023 national championship defense. Grant is an athletic lineman, who brings a unique blend of size, power, and versatility. Which aligns seamlessly with defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver’s vision for a dominant and adaptable unit.
Kenneth Grant’s College Dominance at Michigan
Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 340 pounds, Kenneth Grant is a physical marvel on the field. During his three seasons at Michigan, Grant established himself as a force on the Wolverines’ defensive line. Often showcasing strengths that made him a nightmare for opposing offenses.
Run Stopping:
Grant’s ability to anchor against the run was a hallmark of his college career. With a broad chest, and an 82 5/8-inch wingspan, he consistently held the point of attack against double teams. In 2024 he played a key role in Michigan’s elite rushing defense, which allowed just 90.7 yards per game (fifth-fewest in the FBS) and 3.06 yards per carry (eighth-fewest). His performance against Ohio State in 2024 highlighted his ability to dominate in high-stakes matchups.
Explosive Power and Quickness:
At Michigan, Grant displayed surprising quickness off the line, and agility in short spaces. This lead to 50 combined pressures across 2023 and 2024. One of Grant’s most notable traits is his ability to disrupt passing lanes. Grant set a Michigan record for pass breakups by a defensive lineman. His ability to bull rush and collapse the pocket in one-on-one matchups was evident in games like Michigan’s 2024 upset over USC, where he showcased violent hands and a low center of gravity to overpower blockers.
Versatility Across Alignments:
At Michigan, Grant split time between nose tackle and three-technique, demonstrating flexibility to play in both odd and even fronts. His ability to absorb double teams, coupled with effective moves, allowed him to disrupt plays from multiple gaps. This versatility was critical in Michigan’s scheme, which relied on linemen to create opportunities for linebackers and edge rushers.
High Motor:
Even with Grant’s massive frame he is known for his endless endurance. One of his most memorable moments at Michigan came in 2023 against Penn State, where Grant chased down running back Kaytron Allen on a breakaway.
As a full-time starter in 2024, he set a career-high in snaps and was named Second Team All-Big Ten in 2023, reflecting his growth into a reliable, high-impact player.
A Fit In Anthony Weaver’s Defensive Scheme
In just one season, Anthony Weaver has transformed the Miami Dolphins defense into a versatile, player-centric unit. Despite injuries to key players like edge rushers Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips, Weaver guided the Dolphins to a top-10 defense in 2024. Miami’s defense allowed just 21.9 points per game (ninth-best) and 314.4 yards per contest (sixth-best). His scheme, rooted in Baltimore’s flexible, aggressive approach, emphasizes interior disruption, calculated blitzing, and maximizing player strengths. Grant’s skill set is tailor-made for Weaver’s system, addressing critical needs and elevating the unit’s potential.
Grant, who is a mauler in the middle, steps in as an immediate starter at DT. He excels at occupying multiple gaps and taking on double teams. His presence will keep offensive linemen off linebackers Jordyn Brooks, Tyrel Dodson, Willie Gay Jr, and K.J. Britt allowing them free lanes to the ball—a dynamic this defense will thrive on.
While Grant’s pass-rush arsenal needs refinement—his 6.5 sacks and 11.5 tackles for loss over two years shows just what kind of player he has the potential to be. Grant’s raw tools, like his powerful hands and quick feet, offer a foundation for growth. Weaver’s use of stunts and twists in his scheme could unlock Grant’s ability to collapse pockets, especially alongside Sieler, who commands attention from blockers. Weaver having coached defensive linemen such as J.J. Watt, Jadeveon Clowney, and Justin Madubuike, The Miami Dolphins defense could be the perfect scheme for Grant to fully bloom in.