It’s never too early for draft season as The Draft Network, where teams always remain on the clock.
For the Houston Texans, TDN has the reigning AFC South champions bolstering its interior defensive line come Thursday night in April 2025.
According to the latest mock draft, the Texans make the playoffs but fall short in the divisional round once more. Perhaps one of the main issues is their depth at defensive tackle.
TDN fixes that woe heading into Year 3 of the Stroud by targeting a member of the 2024 national champion Michigan roster in defensive tackle Kenneth Grant.
Another herculean-level athlete out of Ann Arbor, Kenneth Grant is a massive man who moves like one of much smaller stature. In today’s game where vertical push from the interior is a must, Grant fits the script as a future three-down IDL. – TDN’s Ryan Fowler
Grant is one of two returning defensive linemen from the Wolverines’ top-ranked run defense in 2023. Albeit a tad oversized at 339 pounds, DeMeco Ryans love interior pass rushers who can win with finesse and speed over brute strength like Grant.
Last season, Grant shined in both double teams and one-on-one matchups defending the run against Big Ten opponents. His lower-body strength is stable enough to anchor his positioning and hold runners for minimal gain.
Grant also is a serviceable pass rusher, recording four sacks and 11 QB hits. While speed is the selling card, the 6-foot-6 defensive tackle can also win with legit power.
Watching some film after the Vikings game and getting eyes on Kenneth Grant finally.
My dude is a bulldozer, what a rep and he does it with one arm nearly. pic.twitter.com/GRtQKAK8AS
— Andrew Harbaugh (@AndrewHarbaugh_) August 18, 2024
Adding Grant alongside Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr. could provide the best pass-rushing trio since the J.J. Watt, Whitney Mercilus and Jadeveon Clowney days. Houston elected to pass up on other defensive tackles in the draft in favor of defensive back help.
Kamari Lassiter and Calen Bullock look like promising pieces for the long haul on the back end. The Texans must address the front-end talent for more stability in the defensive trenches.