Hafley backs – Jeff Hafley says defensive tackle Kenneth Grant has taken a step forward after a rookie year that didn’t match Miami’s hopes, pointing to changes in his body, speed, and movement ahead of this fall.
When Jeff Hafley arrived in Miami, he inherited more than a roster. He also inherited expectations—especially around Kenneth Grant, a first-round pick in 2025 who played every game but produced numbers that left plenty of fans wanting more.
Grant’s rookie season was quieter than many in Miami had hoped. He appeared in all games, finishing with 33 tackles and two sacks for a Dolphins defense that struggled to make an impression across much of the year. Still, the end of the first offseason program under Hafley carried a different tone.
Speaking at a Tuesday press conference, Hafley said he’s seeing the player scouts believed Grant would become at the NFL level.
“I think he’s taken a step forward,” Hafley said. “I know he’s changed his body. He’s faster. He looks more like the guy I saw on his college tape. with his lateral quickness. his pass rush ability. his ability to play the run. Just the way he’s moving. I think that goes back to Year 1 — Lack of experience. lack of reps. lack of maybe a little confidence as you’re out there. Right now, he’s starting to believe in his abilities that we know that he has. Hopefully once pads come in, we’ll see that continue.”.
That message lands with weight because it isn’t just praise—it comes with a clear explanation of what Hafley believes limited Grant in Year 1. Experience and reps. confidence on the field. and the slow ramp of a rookie season all fit into Hafley’s picture. Grant’s shift in speed and lateral quickness is the concrete change Hafley is pointing to now. with pass rush and run defense tied directly to the way he’s moving.
For Hafley, Grant’s development also matters beyond one position group. The Dolphins overhauled their organization over the last year, firing General Manager Chris Grier and head coach Mike McDaniel. Miami is still counting on one of the last major acquisitions made by the previous administration. and Hafley’s comments suggest Grant’s progress is becoming part of his foundation as he settles into his new job.
Even so, the timing is a reminder. Hafley’s final line—“Hopefully once pads come in, we’ll see that continue”—keeps the focus where it belongs. Nothing is decided in the spring. For now. the offseason work is what Hafley believes is changing. and continued positive growth from Grant could provide real momentum for this fall.
Jeff Hafley Kenneth Grant Miami Dolphins NFL defensive tackle 2025 rookie season press conference Chris Grier Mike McDaniel