Cowboys 2025 draft scouting report: DT Kenneth Grant

We continue our 2025 NFL Draft preview of draft prospects that could interest the Dallas Cowboys. Today we are looking at defensive tackle, Kenneth Grant from Michigan.

Kenneth Grant

DTMichigan Wolverines Junior4-star recruit 6’3”339 lbs

Photo by Brandon Sloter/Image Of Sport/Getty Images

History

Originally from Merrillville, Indiana, Grant attended Merrillville High School where he was a standout athlete. His senior year was marked by an undefeated regular season, a feat that had not been accomplished in nearly three decades at his school. Besides football, Grant was also notable in track and field, ranking among the top 10 in shot put in school history.

Known for his exceptional size and athleticism, Grant stands at 6’3” and weighs around 339 lbs. Yet his speed is remarkable for his size, running a sub-5.0 40-yard dash, which has earned him recognition on Bruce Feldman’s “Freaks List” in 2022 and was given a four-star recruit rating.

During Grant’s freshman season in 2022 he made his mark with the Michigan Wolverines, playing in all 14 games, predominantly on special teams. Although his statistical contribution was modest with eight tackles, Grant’s impact was felt through his physical presence and potential. He was often praised by Coach Jim Harbaugh and the year served as a crucial foundation for Grant, allowing him to learn and adapt to the college game behind experienced teammates like Mazi Smith and Kris Jenkins.

In his sophomore season, Grant emerged as a significant contributor, playing in all 15 games and earning five starts. His on-field impact was evident with 29 tackles, including five tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. Grant also showcased his versatility by intercepting a pass against Nebraska and breaking up five passes throughout the season. Additionally, he recovered a fumble, adding to his defensive tally. His performance was instrumental in Michigan’s national championship run, earning him a second-team All-Big Ten selection. This season was a clear demonstration of Grant’s growth and his transition from a rotational player to a pivotal part of Michigan’s defensive strategy.

During his junior season, Grant solidified his status as a dominant force on Michigan’s defense, starting all 12 regular season games. He recorded 32 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and three sacks, displaying his ability to disrupt opposing offenses. Grant also had five pass deflections and recovered two fumbles, showing his versatility and impact in different facets of the game. His performance earned him second-team All-Big Ten honors for the second consecutive year and third-team All-American recognition.

2024 Statistics

547 Defensive Snaps32 Total Tackles7 Tackles for Loss3 Sacks22 Defensive Stops5 Pass Breakups2 Fumble Recoveries 2 Penalties

NFL Combine/Pro Day

TBC

Awards

All-American (2024)Second-team All-Big Ten (2024)Second-team All-Big Ten (2023)

Scorecard

Overall- 89.8Speed- 82Acceleration- 90Agility- 61Strength- 90Pass Rush- 79Run Defense- 88Tackling- 90Discipline- 98

THE GOOD

Grant’s massive frame and strength make him a formidable presence against both the run and pass.
Has a tremendous ability to anchor and reset the line of scrimmage.
Despite his size, he moves with surprising fluidity, demonstrating an impressive first step and lateral agility for his weight.
He’s an effective run defender, capable of occupying multiple blockers.
His power allows him to disrupt plays at the point of attack.
Shows off his strength in the pass rush with a solid bull rush.
His quickness off the snap can disrupt quarterbacks when he plays in a penetrating role.
Can play in both 4-3 and 3-4 defensive schemes, providing flexibility to defensive coordinators.

THE BAD

There are concerns about his endurance over a full NFL game. His play early in the game looks far more effective than in the fourth quarter.
Needs to work on maintaining a lower pad level to maximize his leverage against NFL offensive linemen.
While his flashes are impressive, he needs to show more consistent performance, especially in pass-rushing scenarios.
His raw talent is undeniable, but further refinement in technique, particularly in hand usage and block deconstruction, is necessary.
Relied a lot in college on overpowering his opponent with his strength. In the NFL that will be mitigated by offensive linemen who match equal in strength.

THE FIT

Kenneth Grant has a very unique athletic profile, as such most scouts speculate he could sneak into the first round. His performance at the NFL Combine and pro days will determine a lot for Grant. He’s best suited for teams looking for a two-gap nose tackle in an odd or hybrid front, where his size and power can be maximized.

He does need to enhance his stamina for the NFL’s demanding schedule, work on maintaining a lower pad level for better leverage, and increase the consistency of his performance, particularly in pass-rushing situations. His hand usage and working to expand his pass-rush move set to be less predictable is another area for improvement. Additionally, improving his balance when engaged with blockers and techniques to shed blocks more effectively are all critical areas for development to maximize his potential as a pro defender.

In terms of fit for Dallas, Grant would fit well with the Dallas Cowboys due to his potential to fortify their run defense and add depth to the interior pass rush. His versatility provides flexibility along the line. His raw power and athleticism could make him a valuable pick, contributing both immediate depth and future potential.

COMPARISON

Dalvin Tomlinson, Cleveland Browns

BTB GRADE

9th

CONSENSUS RANKING

19th(Consensus ranking based on the average ranking from 90 major scoring services)