Michigan defensive tackle Kenneth Grant is waiting to showcase his athleticism and strength in front of NFL scouts.
The projected first-round pick reportedly pulled out of workouts at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis on Thursday because of a hamstring strain, per NFL Network. On Wednesday, Grant said at his combine news conference that he was hoping to run a 40-yard dash time in the 4.8-second range and reach “30-plus” reps on the bench press.
But NFL teams discovered the 2024 third-team All-American has a mild hamstring strain after undergoing an MRI during the medical portion of the combine.
Grant, who had 61 tackles and 6 ½ sacks the past two seasons after playing sparingly as a freshman, said he is down to 332 pounds after playing most of the 2024 campaign at 345. He is expected to take part in athletic testing at Michigan’s pro day on March 21.
“I feel definitely better,” he said of dropping weight this offseason. “Agile, faster, but more so, like stronger.”
The powerful run-stuffing tackle is considered one of the top prospects at his position in the draft.
NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah ranks Grant as the 20th overall player and projected him to the Arizona Cardinals in his latest mock draft last week.
“He’s got the ability and the tools to do some unique stuff, and he has not come close to scratching the surface of his potential,” Jeremiah said on a conference call last week.
“You’re just going to see an athlete that’s a freak. He’s not a polished rusher yet. I think that’s all in front of him. I think in the meantime, he’s someone who is going to dominate against the run. He’s going to eat blocks.”
Grant is one of eight Wolverines invited to the combine, but it is expected to be a quiet testing period for four of Michigan’s top prospects.
Fellow defensive tackle and projected top-10 pick Mason Graham is expected to only participate in the bench press at the event, according to Fox Sports’ Peter Schrager, while cornerback Will Johnson, who missed the last six games of the 2024 season with turf toe, is waiting until Michigan’s pro day to participate in drills.
Tight end Colston Loveland underwent shoulder surgery last month and was wearing a sling during his combine news conference Thursday.
“Just a speed bump in the road,” he said. “Everything happens for a reason. I truly believe that. I think I’ll be all right with whatever happens.”
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