Wolverine Digest

Michigan football defensive star falls out of first round in latest 2025 NFL mock draft

Trent Knoop|
Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

In this story:

Chicago BearsMichigan Wolverines

There is some doubt among NFL Draft experts regarding where Will Johnson might go in the 2025 NFL Draft, but there is a consensus that Michigan could have two top-10 picks come April between Johnson and Mason Graham. The Wolverines could also have four total first-round draft selections, adding in Colston Loveland and Kenneth Grant.

But could Grant slide? In Matt Miler's latest seven-round NFL mock draft, the ESPN analyst has Grant slipping out of the first round. He has the massive defensive tackle going 39th overall to the Chicago Bears.

The Bears added Grady Jarrett in free agency, but they could use a 1-technique who can collapse pockets and push the pile in the run game. The 331-pound Grant would fill that need with his elite quickness and tools. He has the power to anchor in the run game and the movement necessarily to slip past blockers as a pass rusher. Grant is also elite at knocking down passes, with 11 pass breakups over the past two seasons. The Bears are better on the line now than when the offseason began, but Grant would raise their ceiling even more.

Kenneth Gran
Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

We've seen Grant go as high as the late teens and his floor appeared to be No. 32 to the Eagles, but Miller sees him dropping out of the first round completely. That would be dishearting to the 331-pound tackle who left Michigan after three seasons. Playing with Mason Graham, Grant was the No. 2 on the Wolverines' defensive line, but he came through time and time again. Go back to the 2023 season to recall how athletic the big boy is. Grant chased down Penn State's Kaytron Allen, who had open field.

While it's never out of the question that someone could fall in the NFL Draft -- ask Aaron Rodgers and Brady Quinn -- but it's hard to believe a team could pass up on Grant in the first round with the high ceiling and high floor he possesses.

- Enjoy more Michigan Wolverines coverage on Michigan Wolverines On SI -

More Michigan News:

How Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng could make an impact on the Michigan football defense in 2025

Social media reacts to Michigan basketball blowing second-half lead, losing to Auburn in Sweet 16

Report: Bryce Underwood on pace to start Week 1 for Michigan football

For additional coverage of University of Michigan athletics:

Published
Trent Knoop
TRENT KNOOP

Trent began writing and covering Michigan athletics back in 2020. He became a credentialed member of the media in 2021. Trent began writing with Sports Illustrated in 2023 and became the Managing Editor for Michigan Wolverines On SI during the 2025 football season. Trent also serves as the Publisher of Baylor Bears on SI. His other bylines have appeared on Maryland on SI, Wisconsin on SI, and across the USA TODAY Sports network. Trent’s love of sports and being able to tell stories to fans is what made him get into writing.

Share on XFollow @trentknoop
Home/Football