Mile High Report
The Broncos will meet with big Kenneth Grant at the Combine.
Michigan defensive lineman Kenneth Grant who is a likely first-round pick told media members that he will meet with the Broncos later today at the Combine.
Grant is a 6’3, 342-pound defensive lineman out of Michigan who is expected to be a first-round pick in April’s 2025 NFL Draft. He projects are one of the better run defenders in this class which is a current need for the Broncos. Veteran nose tackle D.J. Jones is hitting free agency which could leave a hole in the middle of their defense if he does not re-sign. If Jones signs elsewhere during free agency, a player like Grant becomes more likely for the Broncos in the first round of the draft.
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlen calls Grant a broad-bodied nose tackle who uses his power and length to beat single blocks and split down teams.
Grant is a broad-bodied nose tackle whose tape can run hot and cold depending on the game and the types of blocks he’s facing. He struggles to anchor when hit with down blocks due to his narrow base and tall pads, but he uses his power and length to beat single blocks and split double teams when he finds the crease. He had some sack production in college, and we could see him improve in that area once he learns to create more rush space with his hands. Grant’s game will finally come together in full when he’s able to take his impressive physical attributes and impose his will on opponents.
While most people assume the Broncos will go running back or tight end in the first round of the draft, do not rule out them deciding to add to their trenches. We saw what a strong defensive line can do in the Super Bowl and the Broncos could certainly look to add to their defensive line. Also, the defensive line class is the strength of the draft and with players like Ashton Jeanty and Tyler Warren likely off the board by the time the Broncos are on the clock, they could look towards the defensive line.
I like Grant’s game, but I am not a huge fan of taking a nose tackle with limited pass-rush potential in the first round of the draft. I would look for a lineman who can rush the passer in the first round and get your run stuffer later in the draft. With that said, I would not be upset with Grant since he projects as a high-level run defender in the NFL and that’s an area the Broncos need to be strong at.
