Mason Graham, the standout defensive lineman from the University of Michigan, is poised to be one of the top prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. At 6-foot-3 and 320 pounds, Graham possesses the ideal size and strength for an interior defensive lineman at the professional level.
College Career
Graham’s journey at Michigan was nothing short of impressive. As a true freshman in 2022, he immediately made an impact, appearing in all 14 games and recording 27 tackles and 2.5 sacks. His sophomore season in 2023 saw him elevate his game, earning second-team All-American honors and first-team All-Big Ten selection. Graham’s performance in the 2024 Rose Bowl, where he was named Defensive Player of the Game, showcased his ability to perform on the biggest stages.
His junior year in 2024 solidified his status as one of college football’s elite defensive players. Graham was named a unanimous All-American, becoming the 29th player in Michigan history to achieve this honor. He finished the season with 45 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks. Throughout his college career, Graham demonstrated consistent improvement and production, finishing with 108 career tackles, 18 tackles for loss, and 9 sacks in 39 games.
Strengths
Graham’s greatest asset is his combination of size, strength, and athleticism. He possesses natural size and quick burst at the point of attack, allowing him to consistently generate push in the pass rush. His wrestling background has translated well to the football field, giving him exceptional leverage and hand-fighting abilities.
As a pass rusher, Graham excels at collapsing the pocket and disrupting quarterbacks. He utilizes a variety of moves, including a powerful bull rush, club move, and swim move, making him a versatile threat on the interior. His ability to generate pressure from the inside is a valuable commodity in the NFL, where interior pass rushers are highly sought after.
Against the run, Graham’s strength and technique allow him to hold his ground and stuff gaps effectively. He has shown the ability to shed blocks and make plays in the backfield, as evidenced by his tackles for loss statistics.
Areas for Improvement
While Graham has shown steady improvement throughout his college career, there are always areas where a prospect can refine his game. Continuing to develop his pass-rushing repertoire and improving his conditioning to maintain high-level play throughout an NFL game will be key focus areas as he transitions to the professional level.
NFL Projection
Graham is widely projected to be a first-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, with some analysts even suggesting he could be taken within the first five picks[1]. His combination of production, physical tools, and technical skills make him an attractive prospect for teams looking to bolster their defensive line.
In the NFL, Graham projects as an immediate impact starter who can anchor a defensive front while providing scheme versatility. His ability to contribute in both the run and pass game makes him valuable in today’s NFL, where defensive linemen are expected to be three-down players.
Comparisons to current NFL players are always challenging, but Graham’s skill set and production suggest he could have a similar impact to players like Grady Jarrett, who has been a consistent force on the interior for the Atlanta Falcons.
Read More: Cleveland Browns Take A Star Michigan Player In A New 2025 Mock Draft
Conclusion
Mason Graham enters the 2025 NFL Draft as one of the premier defensive line prospects. His impressive college career at Michigan, capped by unanimous All-American honors, demonstrates his ability to perform at the highest level of collegiate competition. Graham’s combination of size, strength, and technique make him a versatile defender capable of impacting both the run and pass game.
NFL teams looking for an interior defensive lineman who can provide an immediate impact will likely have Graham high on their draft boards. His potential to be both a run-stuffer and an interior pass rusher makes him a valuable asset in today’s NFL. While there’s always room for improvement as players transition to the professional level, Graham’s track record of consistent growth and production bodes well for his NFL future.
As the draft approaches, expect Mason Graham’s name to be frequently mentioned among the top prospects. His journey from a four-star recruit out of Anaheim, California, to a potential top-five NFL draft pick is a testament to his hard work, development, and natural talents. Whichever team selects Graham will be getting a player with the potential to be a cornerstone of their defensive line for years to come.
