2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Michigan DT Mason Graham
With the 2025 NFL Draft rapidly approaching, Fans First Sports Network is your home for the best NFL Draft content around. From player breakdowns, to rankings, to mock drafts, FFSN has you covered from every angle! Before we dive into today’s player profile, be sure to stay tuned throughout the pre-draft process for more breakdowns on intriguing prospects.
Let’s dive into today’s prospect breakdown!
Mason Graham | DT | Michigan
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 320 lbs
Draft Projection: Top 10
Notable Accomplishment: 2024 AP First-Team All-American
Pros: Graham is an outstanding run defender who is rarely pushed off the ball. His outstanding functional strength combined with his uncanny ability to generate leverage with a quick release out of his stance make him an incredibly disruptive force on the defensive interior. Graham’s motor and character will never be in question, displaying admirable effort on every down. However, I believe his heavy hands have as much to do with his success as anything. He can shed blocks at a success rate that is rare for an interior lineman, and he typically gets loose due to bullying defenders with his hands. As a pass rusher, he consistently pushes opposing linemen backward, often resulting in a collapsed pocket. Even though he did not record a sack in Michigan’s upset win over Ohio State, his presence was felt on nearly every down. Do not read too far into the stats, as they can be deceiving when it comes to players like Graham. His athleticism and IQ combined with his passion for the game give him elite long-term upside.
Cons: Graham is one of the cleanest prospects in this draft, but if he wants to reach his full potential in the NFL, more attention needs to be given to the pass-rushing aspect of his game. He does a nice job generating pressure, but he is not a finisher yet. He does not possess elite closing speed, which often gives quarterbacks a chance to escape outside the pocket as Graham helps collapse the pocket. It will also be interesting to see what his official measurables at the combine come in at, as there are minor concerns regarding his arm length.
Overview: There is never a sure thing when it comes to a draft prospect, but I cannot think of a safer pick in the 2025 NFL Draft than Mason Graham. He can step in on Day 1, ideally in a 3-technique role, and be an immediate contributor. If opportunity and scheme fit align properly, he has the potential to become one of the best in the league in short order, but he will still need to prove himself as a pass rusher and learn to finish once loosened from his opponent.
NFL Comparison: Fletcher Cox
Share & Comment: