Dolphins’ Kenneth Grant ready to make strides in Year 2: ‘I know what to expect now’

Under Hafley, the Dolphins will transition to a base of four down linemen but still incorporate looks with three.

“We’re going to grind blocks, we’re going to provide that violent mentality, and we’re going to make plays,” Grant said of what he’s noticed for defensive linemen in Hafley’s scheme.

Grant said he has focused this offseason on having quicker hands and getting off blocks. Those are things that can help him pivot back to being a true football player, as opposed to training for the scouting combine last year when prospects are measured in drills instead of on-field combat against an opponent.

“This offseason, I just really focused on being more of a football player,” Grant said. “Training for the combine last year is different when you’re in football shape rather than combine shape. So, I just tried to be in football shape this year, focusing on my techniques and getting stronger in the weight room.”

With new looks on the defensive front, the Dolphins are expected to bring in edge rushers in the draft and possibly another defensive lineman at some point.

“It’s going to be really tremendous for the incoming rookies, whoever we get or whoever we pick,” said Grant, who can now be one to guide rookies along the journey of their first year instead of experiencing it all first-hand. “There’s going to be a lot of things they’re not going to be expecting, but it’s my job and everybody else’s jobs in the building to make them feel comfortable and know that we’re here for them and it’s time to play football.

“It’s just all about sharing that wisdom, sharing different experiences that I went through, just letting guys know that I’m there for them and anything is possible and they can do whatever they put their mind to.”

This offseason, the Dolphins added two fellow Michigan alumni to their defensive front in edge rushers Josh Uche and David Ojabo. Grant revealed Tuesday that Ojabo hosted him on a recruiting visit, and Ojabo previously mentioned the same with Uche as they’re all now reunited in Miami Gardens.