Chicago Bears NFL Draft Target: Kenneth Grant

Kirby Lee - USA Today Sports

Dustin Riese - Senior Writer - 6 hours ago

While Ben Johnson and his new coaching staff continue to focus on the Chicago Bears offense, it's hard to overlook what they have done with the defense over the past few seasons. Not only did they extend Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon, and now TJ Edwards, but they also added Grady Jarrett and several other key pieces that will only improve this unit.

This unit has led the Bears team the past few seasons, and if they can continue to play at the level they have since 2022, good things are going to come from this franchise as long as the offense picks up the slack. As strong as their defense has been, there are some holes in that unit, with the pass rush and stopping the run as the primary concerns.

Jarrett will help with stopping the run, but why not look at a player like Kenneth Grant as another option? He could be had in round two of this year's upcoming NFL Draft. Considering the Bears have two second-round selections and three picks on day two, there are going to be plenty of talented players available, and Grant could be one of the guys lingering when the Bears come to pick on day two.

When you look at the measurables, Grant is the perfect size for an NFL defensive tackle, standing at 6-3 and 339 pounds. That is the definition of a wall in the middle of the line and that is something the Bears haven't had since Akiem Hicks. His size alone made him a force on the line as Grant finished 2024 with 32 tackles and three sacks.

Compare that to 2023, when he had 3.5 sacks and 29 tackles, and you will see a player with consistent production, as he had 6.5 sacks over his two seasons on the field. Typically, you would love to get more production from a defensive tackle, but those guys are known more for being a presence on the line than for being a player who comes out to produce.

Adding him to this defense could be the missing piece. He would be the perfect rotational piece with Jarrett to give the Bears one of the best 1,2 punches on the line when it comes to stopping the run. Not seen as the most athletic defensive tackle in the game, Grant does make up for that with his play, which is why he consistently grades out as the No. 5 or No. 6 defensive tackle in this class.

Known as one of those blue-collar bruising-type guys, Grant is one of those players who has so much film to digest. Depending on the game you scout, there is a ton of hot and cold mixed into his film, and that lack of consistency game to game could be why he is seen as a day two pick as opposed to a potential day one.

Looking at the games, the cold portion of his film stood out. Grant struggles to anchor when hit with down blocks due to his narrow base and tall pads. On the flip side, Grant uses his power and length to beat single blocks and split double teams when he finds the crease.

While 6.5 career sacks may not seem like a big deal, when you compare it to some of the other defensive tackles in the game, Grant had more production getting after the quarterback, and that is something for him to build off of at the next level. Once he learns to create more space with his hands, expect that sack production to go up, and the Dennis Allen system could be the perfect place for him to learn that.

Grant’s game will finally come together when he can use his impressive physical attributes to impose his will on opponents. Going to a team like the Bears and playing for one of the best defensive coordinators in the game could help with that, as Allen not only identifies his players' strengths but also puts them in a position to use those strengths.

Grant compares to several players, but Harrison Phillips is one who comes to mind. Phillips has been a massive part of the Vikings' defense the past few years and has been a player who not only stops the run but also knows how to get after the quarterback when needed. That is what Grant is hoping to do no matter where he goes.