Jeff Hafley offers a promising update on one of the Miami Dolphins’ most essential players for 2026
The spring feedback from Jeff Hafley on one of his defensive puzzle pieces sounds like a great turn of events for the Miami Dolphins.
Just yesterday I wrote about the importance of Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Kenneth Grant making a big step forward in 2026.
Miami would benefit greatly from the second-year defensive tackle being among the players who leap forward for head coach Jeff Hafley. He has key versatility, is a former first-round pick, and has several years remaining on his rookie contract. It makes up a profile of player who could change things in a big way. So it naturally caught my attention when Hafley was asked about Kenneth Grant during today’s press availability and what he saw from Grant. Hafley’s feedback? Let’s just say it’s a promising start.
Jeff Hafley believes Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Kenneth Grant has taken a step forward
“I think (Kenneth Grant has) taken a step forward. I know he’s changed his body. He’s faster. He looks more like the guy that I saw on his college tape with his lateral quickness, with his pass rush ability, with his ability to play the run. Just the way he’s moving. I also think that goes back to year one, lack of experience, lack of reps, lack of maybe a little bit of confidence as you’re out there. And I just feel like, right now, he’s starting to believe in himself and his abilities that we know that he has. Hopefully once the pads come on, we’ll see that continue.”
— Miami Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley on defensive tackle Kenneth Grant’s spring
Yes, Hafley’s comments come with the (appropriate) qualifier that we need to see the same thing when the pads come on. But it’s great to hear the coach’s feedback that Grant has transformed his frame, gone about his offseason the right way, and is now building confidence in the reps he’s getting. The Miami Dolphins have a savvy vet in the room via Zach Sieler. They also have a potential standout nose tackle in Jordan Phillips. (Hafley called him a “damn good 0-tech” last week). But Grant is the one physically capable of doing it all — that’s why he was a top draft choice. Putting it together will continue to be a process. But it sounds like Grant’s on the right track.
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