Kenneth Grant Scouting Report
By: Michael Higgins
(Image courtesy of Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
School: Michigan
Class: Junior
Position: DT
HT: 6’3
WT: 340 lbs
Background: Kenneth Grant was a 4-star defensive lineman in the class of 2022 out of Gary, Indiana. Grant played football for Merrillville High School. Grant helped the team win three consecutive regional championships, including an undefeated season his senior year. In that senior year of high school, Grant also played guard for Merrillville. Grant was the 2021 conference MVP and a two-time all-conference selection. Out of high school, Grant committed to Michigan over Ohio State, Wisconsin, and others.
College: Grant appeared in 13 games for the Wolverines in 2022 as a freshman in a rotational role, proving that he can be a valuable piece to the Michigan defense. Grant appeared in all 15 games with 5 starts on the line. He was named a Second Team All-Big 10 member after recording 5 TFLs and 3.5 sacks. 2024 was Grant’s big breakout season. He was an All-American Third Team and All-Big 10 Second Team member. Grant’s big year saw him notching similar numbers as the year prior with 6.5 TFLs and 3 sacks on the interior.
Strengths: Kenneth Grant is an explosive run stuffer on the interior. He is a traditional 1 tech who can clog running lanes and make it impossible for opponents to run between the tackles. He has a quick first step to shoot into the chest of the opponent before getting into the backfield to make a play. Grant processes the game quickly. He can diagnose blocking schemes and follow a running back’s eyes to fill the proper lane. Grant’s combination of size and lateral quickness allow him to clog multiple rushing lanes at once. Even if he commits to one lane, he can quickly cut and get to another lane if need be. Grant’s athletic testing is off the charts, his one of the most athletic players in the class. Grant is effective as a pass rusher for a 1 tech with a strong lower body and violent hands in the phone booth to defeat blocks. Has a large variety of pass rush moves for an interior defensive lineman and does not just rely on his strength to win reps.
Weaknesses: Grant does not get low enough in his rush, causing him to lose leverage battles. While Grant is quick, he is not agile or fast. In larger spaces, Grant has trouble moving and could be taken off the field in longer distance downs. He needs to use his size more functionally or he needs to go down a weight class. Losing around 10 pounds to increase movement ability would be beneficial to his game.
Conclusion: Kenneth Grant might be the best run defender in this class. His ability to affect the run and impact an entire facet of the game is special. He can become a linebacker’s best friend by preventing the offensive linemen from advancing to the second level. If he maintains a solid body composition, he will be a dominant force on the interior and the pass rushing volume will come.
Scheme Fit: Even Front
Ideal Role: 1 tech
Best Team Fits: LAC, CIN, ARI
Player Comparison: DJ Reader
Player Grade: Round 1 (90.7)
