Michigan football has several potential first-round NFL draft picks for the 2025 class, with most of them coming from the junior class. But for the most part, they’re commonly discussed: cornerback Will Johnson, defensive tackle Mason Graham, and tight end Colston Loveland.
But there’s another who gets some discussion, but perhaps not enough: defensive tackle Kenneth Grant.
Grant’s counterpart, Graham, is often spoke of by sites like PFF as arguably the best defensive tackle in all of college football. But some are starting to wake up to just how good Grant is.
The behemoth in the middle has showcased not only size and power but also speed. And ESPN NFL draft and college football analyst Jordan Reid is taking notice of his skills.
#Michigan IDL Kenneth Grant (6-3, 339)
Quick twitch and light-footed athlete. Explosive power to disrupt on the first level. Lots of potential with this prospect. pic.twitter.com/ywPVzAsjCx
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) July 12, 2024
Graham was already becoming a known commodity to Michigan football fans but it took until Week 11 for him to burst onto the national scene when he ran down Penn State running back Kaytron Allen from behind after Allen burst through the line with nothing but grass ahead of him.
A reserve last year, Grant steps into a starting role this year and with more production could set himself up for a big payday after this season, should he decide to leave a year of eligibility on the table and enter the 2025 NFL draft.