The Pittsburgh Steelers wrapped up their pre-draft visits this week. There was one final spot looming large earlier in the week, but it was announced on Wednesday that the final visit would be another running back in TreVeyon Henderson.
With this final visit, the big board for the Pittsburgh Steelers is becoming increasingly clear. We know what positions they are interested in as well as some obvious prospects from their visits and pro-day travels.
Unfortunately, a great prospect is now likely off the Steelers draft radar.
While viewed as one of the premier defensive linemen in this draft class with a high ceiling and relatively high floor, Kenneth Grant looks like just what the team needs. Unless we are missing something, though, it seems unlikely that he ends up in the black and gold threads.
The Pittsburgh Steelers haven’t shown enough interest in Kenneth Grant to draft him in Round 1
Grant certainly fits the mold of what the team needs. He can instantly play in base defense as the nose tackle and allow Keeanu Benton to play more of a defensive end role. This maximizes what he can do now while giving him time to develop as a pass rusher.
When it comes to first-round picks and the Steelers, you have to follow a certain path. The team typically has to have Omar Khan and/or Mike Tomlin at the prospect's Pro Day. If they don’t, a visit needs to occur.
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Grant has neither of those boxes checked. He never came in for a visit, and while regulars at the Michigan Pro Day, they decided to leave their top brass at home to visit with Aaron Rodgers.
At this point, drafting a defensive lineman in the first round seems unlikely as a whole. Unless they take the usual suspect in Derrick Harmon, there isn’t a good defensive lineman that fits in the first round. Unless this team has their eye on a player not viewed as a first-round prospect (such as Alfred Collins or Tyleik Williams), it is Harmon or bust.
Personally, I am disappointed in the general lack of defensive line interest. Grant looked like a great fit for the defense, and unless Harmon is the guy, it looks like the defensive line may get ignored early in the 2025 NFL Draft.