The Miami Dolphins drafted Michigan defensive tackle Kenneth Grant with the 13th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Although it's still very early in his first offseason before his rookie campaign, he's already gaining the respect of his teammates and coach.
"Early on I could tell he had the respect and regard of veteran teammates by the little things that he does, understanding the importance of his role on the team," Mike McDaniel said. "He came in with a veteran-like understanding of needing to be 100 percent on what he's asked to do - his technique and fundamentals - and he works endlessly."
Grant's ability to come in with veteran-like understanding stems from his time in college. The national champion has been at the biggest stage in college and succeeded.
The Michigan product collected 3.5 sacks, 29 tackles, and six TFLs in the Wolverines' national championship run. In the national championship, Grant had a sack, TFL, and a pass defended.
Grant played on a big stage in college and demonstrated that he can show up when the lights shine brightest. But the glory and success from college didn't change his working mentality.
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.
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
"You're hitting a home run with the team when a first round draft pick comes in with that mindset. So, we can work with that and veterans know you can count on that," McDaniel said. "There's been ebbs and flows like for every rookie, but what I've seen from him - I've seen early down production, where he wins based on technique and fundamentals early in the snap and I've seen late down wins where he's screening and utilizing grit and finish to make plays as well."
Grant will likely get a shot to start on the Dolphins' front four in 2025, but that will come with continued work throughout training camp. However, early on, he's earned the trust and dependence of his teammates.
"He's got a lot of work to do, every day is important," McDaniel said. "However, I'm super happy he's on our team and not somebody else's and I know a lot of players that share the locker room with him would agree with that too."