The Indianapolis Colts hold the 14th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. CBS analyst Mike Renner put together an NFL Mock Draft recently and has the Colts taking Michigan defensive lineman Kenneth Grant in the first round:
“Chris Ballard is a traits-based drafter, and you won’t find too many prospects with better traits in this draft than Kenneth Grant,” wrote Renner. “He’s a mammoth defensive tackle who moves like a 3-technique and is only scratching the surface of his potential.”
Most Colts mock drafts have the team taking either a tight end or defensive back with the 14th overall pick. However, it wouldn’t be shocking if general manager Chris Ballard took a defensive tackle like Kenneth Grant instead. Last year, the Colts were expected to take a cornerback or wide receiver with the 15th overall pick. Yet, Ballard opted for defensive end Laiatu Latu. Will Kenneth Grant head to Indy this April?
No, the Colts Should Not Draft Defensive Tackle Kenneth Grant in the First Round
Kenneth Grant’s Career
Kenneth Grant starred at Merrillville High School in Merrillville, Indiana. During his senior year, he recorded 38 tackles (14.5 tackles for loss), 6.5 sacks and blocked eight kicks. He also led the school to an undefeated regular season.
Grant then took his talents to the University of Michigan. During his second season with the Wolverines, he produced 29 tackles, five tackles for a loss, 3.5 sacks, an interception, a fumble recovery, and five pass breakups. Grant was named a second-team All-Big Ten selection that year. But more importantly, he teamed with quarterback J.J. McCarthy and Co. to lead the Wolverines to a national championship. They knocked off Washington 34-13 in the championship game. It was Michigan’s first title since 1997.
Last season, Kenneth Grant recorded five pass breakups, 32 tackles, 6.5 tackles for a loss, three sacks, three quarterback hurries, and two fumble recoveries. He received second-team All-Big Ten honors once again and was selected as a third-team All-American. Grant then declared for the NFL Draft, foregoing his senior season.
Does Drafting Him Make Sense?
Nothing against Kenneth Grant, but the Colts shouldn’t draft him. The six-foot-three, 340-pounder could certainly develop into a star NFL defensive tackle. Yet, Indianapolis needs to use the 14th overall pick on either a tight end or defensive back.
Penn State’s Tyler Warren just might be the perfect pick for the Colts. It seems like he is linked to most Colts mock drafts. Considered the top tight end prospect in this year’s draft, Warren could be a go-to weapon for quarterback Anthony Richardson. He would be a major upgrade over any of the tight ends the Colts employed in 2024.
Georgia safety Malaki Starks would also be a great selection for the Colts at No. 14. The secondary is one of Indy’s biggest weaknesses and Julian Blackmon could leave as a free agent this offseason. Starks and Nick Cross could form an intriguing safety duo for years to come.
As mentioned before, it won’t be surprising at all if Ballard drafts Kenneth Grant. But it wouldn’t make sense for the Colts, who aren’t in desperate need of a defensive tackle.
Main Photo: Kyle Robertson – Imagn Images
The post No, the Colts Should Not Draft First-Round Defensive Tackle appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.