Bucky Brooks’ Mock Draft Has Texans Selecting Kenneth Grant to Bolster Defense

In Bucky Brooks’ latest mock draft, he projects the Houston Texans selecting Michigan defensive tackle Kenneth Grant, adding even more firepower to a defense that has already proven to be a nightmare for quarterbacks and offensive coordinators alike.

Texans Rushing Defense

The Texans' defense was outstanding throughout the 2024 season, led by Will Anderson, Danielle Hunter, and All-Pro cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. Under head coach DeMeco Ryans, the unit thrived in a modern big nickel base defense, which featured Jalen Pitre near the line of scrimmage, allowing him to attack the backfield as a blitzer and run defender.

Because this defensive scheme relies on substituting a safety for a linebacker—even on run downs—having strong run defenders in the front seven is critical. Injuries to Foley Fatukasi in 2024, questions surrounding his contract, and occasional struggles against the run make it clear that adding a dominant presence like Kenneth Grant would be a game-changer.

The Texans’ defensive tackles underperformed in run defense last season, with none earning a Pro Football Focus (PFF) run defense grade above 47. Grant, who measured in at 6’3.5” and 342 pounds at the Senior Bowl, has the ideal size for a nose tackle in a 3-4 defense. However, what sets him apart is his explosion—his athleticism rivals that of players nearly 40 pounds lighter. His agility allows him to be effective in multiple fronts and alignments.

Grant’s game film is filled with examples of his power, whether it’s overpowering blockers in one-on-one situations or holding his ground against double teams. Additionally, his relentless motor and effort in pursuit of ball carriers align perfectly with the high-energy, disciplined defense that DeMeco Ryans emphasizes.

Pass-Rush Upside

Run-stuffing defensive tackles typically don’t warrant first-round selections, but Grant’s unique athletic profile makes him an exception. His ability to disrupt the passing game while anchoring the run defense—even in sub-packages—draws comparisons to players like Vita Vea, Dexter Lawrence, and Fletcher Cox.

Dominant interior defenders like these make life miserable for opposing offensive linemen, consistently demanding double teams and creating one-on-one opportunities for edge rushers. If Anderson and Hunter were already a nightmare for offensive tackles in 2024, imagine how much more effective they could be with a more consistent interior rush collapsing the pocket. Additionally, an improved run defense would create even more third-and-long situations, allowing the Texans’ pass rushers to thrive.

Taking the Texans Defense to the Next Level

When thinking about dominant pass-rushing units in recent history, the 2022 Philadelphia Eagles come to mind. That squad featured a 340-pound nose tackle in Jordan Davis alongside an aging Fletcher Cox, with edge rushers Josh Sweat and Haason Reddick wreaking havoc. The result? A staggering 70 sacks—just two shy of the all-time record set by the 1985 Bears.

Now, envision the Texans’ defensive front with Will Anderson, Danielle Hunter, Denico Autry, Tim Settle, and the addition of Kenneth Grant. His presence could be the missing piece to elevate this unit into the conversation as one of the most fearsome in the league. Combined with a unique secondary featuring Jalen Pitre, Calen Bullock, Kamari Lassiter, and Derek Stingley, Houston has all the makings of a historic defense.

The Houston Texans hold the 25th overall pick in the first round of the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft. Michigan defensive tackle Kenneth Grant is projected to be selected around the 18th pick. To draft Grant, the Texans would likely need to trade up approximately seven spots. Historically, moving up from the 25th to the 18th pick requires offering a combination of draft capital, such as their first-round pick (25th overall) and additional mid-round selections. The Texans currently possess six picks in the 2025 draft (25, 58, 89, 127, 167, 243), including their own selections in the first four rounds and the seventh round, as well as Buffalo’s fifth-round pick. A potential trade package could involve the Texans’ first-round pick (25th overall) and their third-round pick (89th overall) to move up to the 18th spot. Acquiring Grant would bolster the Texans’ defensive interior, complementing their existing strengths on the defensive line.

The draft compensation would be worth what Grant can bring to Houston.