The Detroit Lions are assembling the strongest squad possible for their 2025 roster, which will likely include some new defensive talent. The Lions suffered a lot of defensive line injuries last season, so they need to add depth and find a star to complement Aidan Hutchinson.
The Lions have the 28th pick in the draft. As it turns out, there’s a guy who could be available exactly around that slot and shares a lot of similarities with Hutchinson, and the Lions are being persuaded to sign him.
Detroit Lions May Be Looking for a Star in the Draft.
The Ringer’s April 15 mock draft spells out who they believe each team should select in their respective draft positions. When it comes to Detroit, they select a player from the University of Michigan, where Hutchinson had played before getting picked by the Lions. That’s Kenneth Grant.
“Lions add some real playmaking beef to their defensive line here, nabbing a 6-foot-4, 331-pound behemoth in Grant,” notes The Ringer. “The former Wolverines star has an explosive first stride and a muscular upper body to clear blocks. ” They add that, “Lining up next to fellow former Michigan star Aidan Hutchinson, he’ll offer the Lions a much-needed inside lift.” We like the sound of that.
According to the NFL’s scouting report, “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.” While “he struggles to anchor when hit with down blocks due to his narrow base and tall pads, he uses his power and length to beat single blocks and split double teams when he finds the crease.”
According to the scouting report, “He had some sack production in college, we could see him improve in that area once he learns to create more rush space with his hands,” however; “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.”Budding Edge Rusher is a ‘Good Size’ and ‘Quick to Recognize Down Blocks’
Among the pros for Grant, Bleacher Report claims, is being a “good size for an NFL defensive tackle” and someone who “doesn’t carry much bad weight.” In addition, they say he “takes on blocks with his hands and has the strength to gain control of the block at the point of attack” as well as being “quick to recognize down blocks to avoid getting washed inside.”Of course, not everyone prefers Grant for the Lions.
CBS Sports selects Derrick Harmon as the Detroit Lions’ 28th pick, stating, “The Lions were absolutely destroyed by injuries along their defensive line in 2024, so they select one of the best at pressuring the quarterback from the defensive tackle spot at the FBS level, and he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.95 seconds.” “That will be played alongside Aidan Hutchinson.”
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