The Miami Dolphins selected Kenneth Grant with the 13th overall pick. A defensive tackle out of the University of Michigan, the Dolphins hope that Grant can be a force alongside Zach Sieler.
In his three years at Michigan, Grant accumulated 69 tackles, six-and-a-half sacks and three fumble recoveries. He recorded 32 tackles, three sacks and five pass break-ups as a senior.
Grant also racked up an Associated Press All-American third-team honor in 2024 and was named to back-to-back All-Big 10 Conference second teams beginning in 2023, the same year Michigan won the national title.
The 6-foot-4-inch, 331-pound defensive tackle could become an immediate starter for the Dolphins despite Miami re-signing Benito Jones, who contributed 24 tackles in the 15 games he played last season. “I think I fit in great,” Grant said of Miami. ”It’s kind of the same scheme as my previous school. I think I can wreak havoc in the backfield in the run and pass game.” Though Grant primarily projects as a run-stopper, Dolphins general manager Chris Grier believes he can grow into a serviceable pass-rusher as well.
“We do think he has the ability to generate pressure in the pass-rush,” Grier said. “It’s not always about sacks; the ability to push the pocket in the middle is a huge thing in the NFL now and we believe he has the work ethic and upside to do that.” “He’s been on our mind for a long time,” coach Mike McDaniel added, calling Grant “a real presence” along the defensive line. “We thoroughly vetted him and we’re real excited about what we added.” Grant himself praised his versatility, explaining he can line up against centers or guards.
That’s why he views the trenches as one of the most important areas in football. “It’s really important because it starts up front,” Grant said. “If you can get things going up front, then you can’t do anything.” Defensive tackle became a huge need for the Dolphins with the free agency departures of Calais Campbell to the Arizona Cardinals and Da’Shawn Hand to the Los Angeles Charges.
Prior to the pick of Grant, the defensive line because the unit only featured Sieler, a returning starter, Jones, Neil Farrell and Matt Dickerson on the depth chart. The Dolphins typically take nine defensive tackles into training camp when teams can field a 90-player roster.
With the addition of Grant, the defensive tackle room grows to five. Despite the selection of Grant, the Dolphins will likely enter into the second day of the draft with holes at cornerback and offensive guard.
Still, the selection of Grant could bode scary for opposing offensive coordinators as the Dolphins should enter into a camp with a healthy defensive front that also includes Bradley Chubb, Jaelan Phillips and Chop Robinson. “The defensive front seven sees themselves as they should — as a growing strength on our team that wants to lead with production,” McDaniel said.