The Miami Dolphins selected defensive tackle from the University of Michigan, Kenneth Grant, with their first round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Like most rookies, it took some time for Grant to acclimate to the professional game before finishing his first year with a combined 33 tackles, two tackles for loss, five quarterback hits and two sacks on opposing passers.
When asked about the 22-year old second year player earlier in the week, new Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley expressed optimism about the progress
his young defensive lineman has made since the coach’s arrival in South Florida.
“I think he’s taken a step forward. I think he’s changed his — I know he’s changed his body. He’s faster. He looks more like the guy that I saw on his college tape with his lateral quickness, his pass rush ability, his ability to play the run.”
Hafley went on to explain why Grant wasn’t as impressive as some would have hoped he’d be during his first year with the Dolphins.
“I also think that goes back to year one — lack of experience, lack of reps, lack of maybe a little bit of confidence as you’re out there. I just feel like right now, he’s starting to believe in himself and his abilities that we know that he has. Hopefully once the pads come on, we’ll see that continue.”
The 2026 Miami Dolphins will be a young group — Grant included. His development, along with the development of all of Hafley’s young players, will go a long way towards the organization having a quick turnaround as they undergo yet another rebuild this season.
