Cleveland Browns select Mason Graham in first round of 2025 NFL Draft

The Cleveland Browns have selected former Michigan DL Mason Graham No. 5 overall in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. After three seasons of disrupting offensive lines for three years in Ann Arbor, he’s now on his way to the league.

Graham’s time at Michigan resulted in plenty of hardware. The Wolverines won two Big Ten titles and made two College Football Playoff appearances, winning the national championship a year ago to end the title drought. Of course, he also participated in three victories over Ohio State – four straight, overall.

He was also able to provide an anchor to the Michigan defensive line during his time in Ann Arbor. In 2023, he totaled 36 tackles – including a career-high eight tackles for loss – and three sacks to help the Wolverines to a national title. The championship win was the first for the program since 1997.

This past season, he had 45 tackles, seven tackles for lost an set a new career best with 3.5 sacks as he cemented himself as one of the top players in this year’s draft cycle. Now, he’s been selected and is ready to take that next step to the professional level.

What NFL Draft analysts are saying about Mason Graham

Now that Mason Graham has been drafted, fans may be wondering what to expect from their new defensive lineman. NFL Draft analyst Lance Zierlein provided his analysis of the disruptive defensive tackle.

Zierlein compared him to Las Vegas Raiders DT Christian Wilkins, noting Graham’s non-stop motor, compact power, lateral quickness, as well as his range and tackle production. He cited some weaknesses for Graham being his short arms and burley frame.

Zierlein: “Three-technique who provides activity, effort, strength and quickness. Graham’s first-step quickness makes interior disruption inevitable. He has the instant read and response to regularly beat lateral blocks. He’s stout at the point of attack with great leverage and body control but will lose some ground against double teams.

“Graham’s lack of length makes it tougher for him to find quick wins as a rusher, but he more than makes up for it with his activity level and foot quickness. Harmonious hands and feet are the catalyst for his edge-to-edge counters, while his extended effort and closing burst help him get home. He may not dominate as a pro but his strength, body control and quickness should allow him to play his brand of ball and become a good starter in an upfield defensive front.”