Tag: Grant

Michigan defensive back Will Johnson (2) celebrates after returning an interception for a touchdown against Fresno State during the second half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024.

Report: Michigan duo won’t work out at Combine

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Michigan cornerback Will Johnson and defensive tackle Kenneth Grant will not work out at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, ESPN and NFL Network reported Thursday.

Both projected first-round picks are instead expected to be full participants in the Wolverines’ Pro Day on March 21.

Johnson intercepted nine passes in three seasons at Michigan, returning three of them for touchdowns. He added 68 tackles in 32 games.

A national champion in 2023 and a two-time All-Big Ten selection, Johnson was a first-team All-American in 2023 and earned second-team recognition in 2024 despite shoulder and foot injuries that limited him to six games.

Johnson was named the defensive MVP in Michigan’s College Football Playoff national championship game victory against Washington on Jan. 8, 2024. He had four tackles and an interception in the 34-13 win.

Combine medical evaluations revealed a hamstring strain for Grant, who had been planning to participate in on-field drills Thursday. The nose tackle said on Wednesday that he dropped more than 15 pounds to get his weight to 332 with a goal of running a 40-yard dash time in the 4.8-second range. The Indiana native also expected to see a slew of family and familiar faces in the stands at Lucas Oil Stadium for workouts.

Grant had 69 tackles (12 for losses) with 6.5 sacks, 10 passes defensed, one interception and three fumble recoveries in 41 games over three seasons in Ann Arbor.

Grant was a second-team All-Big Ten selection in both 2023 and 2024 and a third-team All-American last season.

–Field Level Media

Michigan defensive lineman Mason Graham (55) celebrates a play against Ohio State during the second half at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024.

Michigan DT duo out to prove first-round status at Scouting Combine

Posted on | by Field Level Media

INDIANAPOLIS — When NFL teams ask Mason Graham for a game film from his college career that defines him as a prospect, the Michigan man has plenty to choose from.

But he also has a favorite.

“I mean, I feel like just rolling that Ohio State film. That’s all you need to see, really,” Graham said Wednesday at the NFL Scouting Combine.

A top-five prospect departing Ann Arbor with a national title and All-American status, Graham angles for position at the top of a loaded defensive line class in the 2025 NFL Draft. He entered the draft after three college seasons and was described by his former college coach, Jim Harbaugh, as one of the best players he ever coached.

He’s an interior defensive lineman with the body and burst to stop the run and penetrate to collapse the pocket.

“I feel like I affect every snap, run or pass,” Graham said. “I feel like one of the most dominant players in this class.”

One position the Tennessee Titans might not need is defensive tackle, which means Graham is unlikely to be picked first overall. But the rest of the top 10 could be in the market for a player who can impact the defense on every down. Three of those teams were already checked off his list of interviews in Indianapolis with others on the docket Wednesday.

Graham said in meetings with the Patriots — New England holds the No. 4 overall pick — and Raiders (sixth), both teams focused on what makes Graham tick.

His response?

“How hard I work. No off-the-field stuff. I’m all about business,” Graham said. “I’m not a mysterious guy. You don’t need to look deep to find out about me. Everything is out there. Nothing to hide.”

Wolverines teammate Kenneth Grant is also viewed as a first-round prospect as a traditional nose tackle. A native of Merrillville, Ind., he said his parents, sisters and nieces and nephews are planning to be on hand for his workout this weekend.

Grant also met with the Patriots on his first night in Indianapolis in addition to sessions with the Lions, Bills and Cowboys.

Trimmed down from 347 to 332, Grant has worked double-time to put on a show in his position workout. His goal is 30-plus bench-press reps and a 40-yard dash in the 4.8-second range.

He said there is one aspect of his game that will stand out.

“Definitely my power. Just working on my power. Watching (Giants All-Pro) Dexter Lawrence, Vita Vea, how those guys use their power and body size,” Grant said.

–Jeff Reynolds, Field Level Media