By Indiana Preps Staff

Pirate power has driven the journey of a 21-year-old athlete from Merrillville, to Michigan, to Miami.

With the 13th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Miami Dolphins selected Kenneth Grant, the dominant defensive tackle from the University of Michigan and Merrillville High School. The 6-foot-3, 332-pound Grant becomes the fourth Pirate in school history to hear his name called in the NFL Draft—and the first to do so in the first round.

Grant’s selection adds muscle and versatility to the Dolphins’ 3-4 base front. He’s the third Wolverine to come off the board in the top 13 picks, joining defensive linemate Mason Graham (No. 5, Cleveland) and tight end Colston Loveland (No. 10, Chicago).

As a two-year starter at Michigan, Grant helped anchor the nation’s top defensive unit en route to the 2023 College Football Playoff National Championship. Over the past two seasons, he recorded:

  • 61 total tackles
  • 12 tackles for loss
  • 6.5 sacks
  • 10 pass deflections
  • 3 fumble recoveries
  • 1 interception

His impressive campaign in 2024 earned him Second-Team All-Big Ten honors and recognition as an Associated Press Third-Team All-American.

Though Grant didn’t participate in on-field drills at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, he made a strong impression in interviews. He later upped his bench press from 22 reps at the Combine to 27 during Michigan’s Pro Day on March 21, showcasing his improved strength and conditioning.

“Definitely my power,” said Grant when asked what will translate best to the NFL. “Just working on my power, watching Dexter Lawrence, Vita Vea—how those guys use their power and their body size.”

His massive frame and unique blend of athleticism—including a 31-inch vertical—make him an interior nightmare for offensive lines. Known for his run-stopping abilities, elite instincts on screens, and knack for batting down passes, Grant fits the mold of a modern NFL nose tackle who can contribute on all three downs—and even special teams.

From Merrillville to the National Stage

Before terrorizing Big Ten offenses, Grant was the heartbeat of a dominant Merrillville High School squad. Under head coach Brad Seiss, Grant was a four-year starter, leading the Pirates to:

  • Three consecutive IHSAA Class 6A regional titles
  • The program’s first undefeated regular season since 1992
  • A 40-9 overall record during his prep career

He earned back-to-back Indiana Preps Top 22 All-State Big School selections and was named the Howard County Defensive Player of the Year as a senior. Ranked as Indiana’s No. 8 overall prospect in the Class of 2022 by 247Sports, Grant committed to Michigan in September of his senior year.

“They prepared me pretty good,” Grant said of his high school coaches. “Put me in a lot of different schemes and a lot of different play stunts, so they always kept me open-minded. Credit to them.”

A Pirate Legacy Lives On

Grant joins elite company from his alma mater as only the fourth Merrillville alum drafted to the NFL. He follows:

  • Jamel Williams (1993, Washington – 5th round)
  • Eugene Wilson (1999, New England – 2nd round)
  • Michael Neal (2005, Green Bay – 2nd round)

Now a Miami Dolphin, Kenneth Grant is ready to bring the same fire and foundation that defined his career in Indiana and Michigan to the professional level. From the Region to the league, the journey continues—and Pirate Nation is watching proudly.

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