Kenneth Grant, the hulking 6'4", 331lb defensive tackle hailing from the University of Michigan, went 13th overall to the Miami Dolphins in the 2025 NFL Draft.
While he brings impressive size and run-stopping prowess, Bleacher Report’s Brent Sobleski includes him in a cautionary list of first-round picks in the 2025 NFL Draft who could end up being disappointments in their rookie seasons, implying that he might be a bust.
Sobleski’s piece emphasizes that not every "flashy" first-round pick will pan out, and Grant is among those who might struggle to live up to expectations early in their pro careers
"Grant has an uphill battle to climb as this year's 13th overall pick," Sobleski said. "He's a nose tackle by trade, and most won't appreciate his primary job of taking up space and keeping his teammates clean so they can make plays."
Miami Dolphins first-round pick Kenneth Grant holding up his jersey (1) at his post-draft press conference on Friday, April 25, 2025, in Miami Gardens.
Hal Habib / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Another big component that factored into Sobleski labeling Grant as what can best be called a potential bust, at least in the upcoming NFL season, is how high Grant was picked. You rarely see nose tackles taken at No. 13 overall, which puts big expectations on the rookie.
"A nose tackle drafted that high in the process better be the next Dexter Lawrence or Haloti Ngata," Sobleski said.
Grant brings game-altering potential as a powerful interior defender and flashed pass rushing capabilities in college. His ceiling has never been in question, but his immediate readiness and fit as a perceived "space-eater" at No. 13 is raising red flags.
When training camp and then preseason begins the world will get a better picture of how Grant should be expected to perform come the regular season.
