Steelers' Improved Run Defense Might Lie With Michigan's Kenneth Grant: "I'm A Three-Down Player For Sure"

The Pittsburgh Steelers spent the past few drafts bolstering their offensive line. This shouldn't surprise anyone who knows a thing or two about what Assistant General Manager Andy Weidl did for the Philadelphia Eagles. Weidl helped the Eagles win two Super Bowls by building the team up through the trenches. Now, most insiders think it will be the defense's turn.

The Black and Gold got manhandled at the end of the season, particularly by the Baltimore Ravens, who rushed for 299 yards against them in the Wild Card game and 220 yards in their Week 16 matchup. It wasn't just the Ravens; they had trouble consistently stopping the run all season. However, they may have their eye on someone at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine who can help them solve that problem, Michigan defensive tackle Kenneth Grant. 

In an article for the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Joe Rutter said that Grant thinks he can help the Steelers. Rutter said Grant is one of the largest players at this year's combine, standing 6'3" and weighing 342 pounds; he is perfectly sized for the middle of Pittsburgh's defensive line and is reportedly someone they are considering with the 21st pick. 

"To Grant, though, he's more than just a big body who stands out among his peers," wrote Rutter, quoting Grant. "'I think I'm more athletic than some of these guys. There are some pretty good athletes in this class. And I'm intelligent. I know a lot of football. I'm a three-down player, for sure. I can rush the passer with my strength and a little bit of finesse in there. Most guys think I'm just a run-stopper, but I'm super athletic and can rush the passer.'"

Like the other players in attendance, Grant is getting a chance to meet with teams and their staff. He told the media his time with the Steelers went really well. 

"'Very serious," wrote Rutter of Grant's description of his talk with Pittsburgh. "'They want competitors. They want dudes that are ready to go.'"

Rutter pointed out that General Manager Omar Khan sees the urgency behind rebuilding their defensive line. The Steelers should have every opportunity to do that here, as this is one of the deepest defensive line classes in recent memory. 

According to Rutter, Grant is listed at No. 20 in NFL Network Draft Analyst Daniel Jeremiah's recent rankings. Grant told the media that he hopes his draft stock will go up after his Thursday workout. He believes he will show off how his recent weight loss, down from his Michigan weight of 345, has helped improve his agility and speed. He said he feels better, stronger, and hopes to run the 40-yard dash in under 5.0 seconds.

There are four defensive linemen that Rutter sees as potential picks for the Steelers. The others are Mississippi's Walter Nolen, Oregon's Derrick Harmon, and Texas A&M's Shemar Stewart. There is no doubt the Steelers will be heavily focused on their performances. 

Steelers' Cameron Heyward Has An Admirer

Rutter said Harmon, 27th on Jeremiah's list, told them he fashioned his game after Cameron Heyward. If the Steelers were to select him at 21, he would be excited to learn from one of the best. He told the media that he turns on some Heyward when he wants to watch run stopping. 

He sounds like the kind of player the Steelers and their fan base love. He doesn't want to learn one position; he wants to learn all of them. Harmon called himself "gritty" and said he's got a dog that wants to get to the ball and make a big play. 

On the lighter side, at 295, Rutter said he is expected to be the lightest defensive lineman in the first round. He spent his time with the media trying to convince them all that he could play outside and inside. He pointed out that he gets off the ball better than his competitors. 

Do you think the Steelers will take Grant if he is available? Comment below!

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