The University of Michigan recently released a video on social media recapping the program’s Pro Day that was held last Friday.
Featured in the 33-second video were glimpses of NFL coaches in attendance – including Bears head coach Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Dennis Allen.
The Wolverines have many players that will be selected in the upcoming draft: defensive tackle Mason Graham, cornerback Will Johnson, tight end Colston Loveland, edge rusher Josaiah Stewart and defensive tackle Kenneth Grant.
Of course, there is no way of knowing who exactly the Bears have their eyes on, but Michigan has several options that would drastically help Chicago. Grant – if he’s available in the second round – would be an enticing option to help the defensive line, especially since the Bears hold the No. 39 and No. 41 overall picks in the draft.
Grant finished his third season at Michigan with 32 total tackles, three sacks, five passes defended and two fumble recoveries in 12 games played. According to Pro Football Focus, Grant finished with 27 total pressures and had an 87.5 run defensive grade – the 12th highest among interior defensive linemen in the NCAA.
Kenneth Grant Draft Profile
- Height: 6-foot-4
- Weight: 331
- Pro Day Results: 31.0” Vertical Jump, 27 Bench Press Reps, 5.07sec 40 Time
- All-American (Third team, 2024)
- Two-Time All-Big Ten selection
Positives
After watching Grant’s tape against Ohio State and USC this past season, one of the first elements of his game that stands out is his ability to shed blocks. He likes to use the swim move to get past opposing offensive linemen who are over-aggressive in their blocks. He also uses his hands well to fight off linemen and combines that with good power to dent the pocket. Against the run, Grant stacks and sheds and finds ball carriers. He had 7 tackles for loss last season. His motor is constantly running whether he is chasing down a ball carrier or finishing a pass rush. Grant has also knocked down 10 passes in the past two seasons. His best game last season came in the regular season finale against Ohio State. Grant finished with five total pressures, three tackles, and a season-high 89.9 defensive grade in the 13-10 victory.
Negatives
At times when Grant was either double-teamed or had multiple offensive linemen make contact with him, he would be displaced out of his gap. He will have to continue to work on ways to anchor down when fighting off multiple blockers. He didn’t show many countermoves after his initial rush plan was stopped. Finding more ways to win rushes will open up more opportunities for him. Not many times during the games against Ohio State and USC, did his quickness off the line of scrimmage show up.
Why Bears should draft him
The Bears need to continue adding depth to their defensive line even after adding veteran pass rusher Grady Jarrett. General manager Ryan Poles mentioned wanting to have waves of pass rushers, and Grant would help provide that behind (31) and Gervon Dexter Sr. Andrew Billings is going into the last year of his contract and just turned 30 in March – so having younger depth on the interior defensive line would be something to add in the upcoming draft. Even if Grant is still on the board when the Bears are on the clock with the 39th overall pick in the second round, it should be an easy decision for Poles.