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Wolverines in the NFL: Mason Graham dominates, Brandon Graham comes out of retirement and other former Michigan D-linemen feast

clayton-sayfieby: Clayton Sayfie11 hours agoCSayf23
Mason Graham
Former Michigan Wolverines football defensive lineman Mason Graham had a big game against the Miami Dolphins. (Photo by Ken Blaze-Imagn Images)

Former Michigan Wolverines football defensive linemen shined in the NFL over the weekend, and another — 37-year-old Brandon Graham — is coming out of retirement to play his 16th season with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Graham was Michigan’s honorary captain for its Oct. 18 win over Washington, and two days later announced he’s returning to the game. Graham retired after winning the Super Bowl during an injury-riddled 2024-25 campaign.

On his podcast, ‘Unblocked,’ Graham explained his decision to retire in the first place and to come back now.

“It felt so right at the time. It did,” Graham said. “It felt too good to pass up. But I was still like, ‘Hey, I don’t care about all that.’ It was like I don’t want to mess up this storybook ending. But then reality set in.”

Graham has been training in case he ended up returning, and that work will pay off now that he’s decided to come back.

“I put myself through some stuff already,” Graham said. “I’m excited with where I am and I feel like I’m springy, I’m bouncy. I feel like myself. I feel good.”

Another Graham is coming off a big performance (no relation) — former Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham, a rookie for the Cleveland Browns. He was named to PFF’s Rookie Team of the Week for his part in the Browns’ 31-6 blowout victory over the Miami Dolphins.

“The former fifth overall pick out of Michigan wreaked havoc against the Dolphins’ offensive line, particularly as a run defender,” PFF wrote. “On Sunday, 38.5% of his run-defense snaps earned a positive grade while recording two tackles for loss. In fact, Graham’s average depth of tackle was 1.5 yards behind the line of scrimmage.”

Other former Michigan defensive linemen were disruptive. Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson had 12 pressures against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Green Bay Packers edge rusher Rashan Gary had a strip sack and tackle for loss versus the Arizona Cardinals, Dolphins defensive tackle Kenneth Grant had a tackle for loss against Graham’s Browns, Josaiah Stewart had his second career sack for the Los Angeles Rams in a win over the Jacksonville Jaguars and Joshua Uche posted his first sack of the season in a victory over the Minnesota Vikings.

Here’s a look at how every former Michigan player in the NFL performed in week seven:

AJ Barner (2023), TE, Seattle Seahawks

The former Indiana and Michigan tight end hauled in 1 catch for 7 yards in a 27-19 win over the Houston Texans Sept. 20 … Caught 17 passes for 205 yards and 4 touchdowns on 19 targets while starting all six games for the 4-2 Seahawks.

Ben Bredeson (2016-19), OG, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Started at left guard in a loss to the Detroit Lions Monday night … Opened all seven games for the 5-2 Buccaneers, three at center and four at left guard.

Devin Bush (2016-18), LB, Cleveland Browns

The former Michigan All-American posted 6 tackles in a 31-6 victory over the Miami Dolphins … Tallied 52 tackles, including 4 for loss, with 1 sack, 3 pass breakups and a forced fumble while opening all seven contests for the 2-5 Browns.

Zach Charbonnet (2019-20), RB, Seattle Seahawks

Rushed 12 times for 49 yards and 2 touchdowns and caught 2 passes for 6 yards in a 27-19 win over the Houston Texans … Attempted 72 rushes for 205 yards and 5 touchdowns, adding 6 receptions for 36 yards … His 5 rushing scores are the second-most he’s had in three seasons in the league, trailing the 8 he posted in 2024.

Nico Collins (2017-19), WR, Houston Texans

Suffered a concussion during a 27-19 loss to the Seattle Seahawks Oct. 19 … Prior to going down with the injury, he caught 4 passes for 27 yards on 10 targets … Leads the 2-4 Texans with 339 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns on 26 receptions.

Blake Corum (2020-23), RB, Los Angeles Rams

Rushed 12 times for 37 yards and caught 1 pass for 6 yards in a 35-7 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars in London … Attempted 41 rushes for 193 yards and a touchdown for the 5-2 Rams.

Mike Danna (2019), DE, Kansas City Chiefs

The former CMU and Michigan defensive end posted 1 tackle and 1 quarterback hit in a 31-0 blowout win over the Las Vegas Raiders … Compiled 7 tackles, 1 TFL and 2 quarterback hits while starting all five outings in which he’s played for the 4-3 Chiefs … Missed time with injury but returned to action Oct. 6 and has played in the team’s last three contests.

Rashan Gary (2016-18), DL, Green Bay Packers

Made 2 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 sack and 1 forced fumble in a 27-23 win over the Arizona Cardinals … Posted 20 tackles, 5 stops for loss, 11 quarterback hits, 5.5 sacks and 1 forced fumble while opening all six outings for the 4-1-1 Packers … Ranks tied sixth in the NFL in sacks.

Graham Glasgow (2012-15), OL, Detroit Lions

Started all seven contests at center for the 5-2 Lions, including the 24-9 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Monday night.

Mason Graham (2022-24), DT, Cleveland Browns

The former Michigan All-American and national champion made 3 tackles, including 1 for loss, and had a pass breakup in a 31-6 win over the Miami Dolphins … Recorded 17 tackles, 2 stops for loss, a half-sack, 2 quarterback hits and 1 pass breakups, starting all seven games … His 12 QB pressures are tied with Pittsburgh’s Derrick Harmon for the most among rookie defensive tackles.

Kenneth Grant (2022-24), DT, Miami Dolphins

Registered a career-best 5 tackles with 1 for loss in a 31-6 loss to the Cleveland Browns … Appeared in all seven clashes with three starts for the 1-6 Dolphins, registering 17 tackles, 2 TFL, 2 quarterback hits, 1.5 sacks and a pass breakup … Had 1.5 sacks in a two-game stretch, versus Carolina and the Los Angeles Chargers.

Jaylen Harrell (2020-23), OLB, Tennessee Titans

Tied his season-high with 3 tackles in a 31-13 loss to the New England Patriots … Totaled 8 tackles in seven appearances for the 1-6 Titans, who fired head coach Brian Callahan after six games.

Hassan Haskins (2018-21), RB, Los Angeles Chargers

The former Michigan All-American rushed once for 3 yards and caught 2 passes for 2 yards in a 38-24 loss to the Indianapolis Colts … Rushed 12 times for 30 yards and caught 4 passes for 13 yards in seven games for the 4-3 Chargers … Returned 6 kicks with a 23.5-yard average.

Dax Hill (2019-21), CB, Cincinnati Bengals

Made 3 tackles in a 33-31 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers … Accumulated 46 tackles, 2 pass breakups and 1 interception as a starter in every game for the 3-4 Bengals.

James Hudson III (2017-18), OT, New York Giants

Appeared in six contests with two starts at left tackle but has been in a reserve and special teams role lately.

Aidan Hutchinson (2018-21), DL, Detroit Lions

Totaled 2 tackles, 1 quarterback hit, 1 pass breakup and 1 fumble recovery in a 24-9 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers … Ranks tied fourth in the NFL with 6 sacks, adding 16 tackles, 6 TFL, 4 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery and a pass breakup while starting all seven games.

Kris Jenkins (2020-23), DT, Cincinnati Bengals

Made a pair of tackles in a 33-31 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers Thursday night … Tallied 22 tackles, 2 TFL, 1.5 sacks and 2 quarterback hits in seven games with two starts.

Will Johnson (2022-24), CB, Arizona Cardinals

Tallied 3 tackles in a 27-23 loss to the Green Bay Packers … Missed two games with injury but returned and continued to play at a high level as a rookie … Appeared in five games with three starts, posting 13 tackles and 5 pass breakups. His 70.5 PFF coverage grade ranks tied 28th among NFL cornerbacks and stands fourth among rookies at the position.

Trevor Keegan (2019-23), OG, Dallas Cowboys

Appeared in two contests this season, Oct. 5 against the New York Jets and Oct. 12 versus the Carolina Panthers … Played 6 snaps at left guard and 12 on special teams (field goal team).

Jourdan Lewis (2013-16), CB, Jacksonville Jaguars

The former Michigan cornerback posted 6 tackles and a pass breakup in a 35-7 setback to the Los Angeles Rams … Registered 29 tackles, 4 TFL, 1 quarterback hit, 2 interceptions, 8 pass breakups and a fumble recovery while opening all seven contests for the 4-3 Jaguars … His 70.4 PFF coverage grade checks in tied 30th among NFL corners.

Colston Loveland (2022-24), TE, Chicago Bears

Targeted 4 times and caught 3 passes for 24 yards in a 26-14 win over the New Orleans Saints … The No. 10 overall pick has hauled in 8 catches for 78 yards in five appearances with three starts for the 4-2 Bears.

J.J. McCarthy (2021-23), QB, Minnesota Vikings

Hasn’t played since the Sept. 14 clash with the Atlanta Falcons, out with a high-ankle sprain … Has returned to practice but his status is uncertain in terms of health and depth chart, with Carson Wentz playing while he’s been out … Completed 24 of 41 passes for 301 yards and 2 touchdowns with 3 interceptions in two games.

Braiden McGregor (2020-23), EDGE, New York Jets

Made 1 tackle and a pass breakup in a 13-6 loss to the Carolina Panthers … Recorded 9 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 sack, 2 quarterback hits and a pass breakup in six games off the bench for the 0-7 Jets.

Cameron McGrone (2018-20), LB, Indianapolis Colts

Waived by the team Sept. 30 … Had played limited time, notching 2 tackles in four games.

Joshua Metellus (2016-19), S, Minnesota Vikings

The former Michigan safety totaled 8 tackles with 1 for loss and a half-sack in a 28-22 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles … Totaled 35 tackles with 1 behind the line of scrimmage, half a sack, 1 pick and 3 pass breakups while starting all six contests for the 3-3 Vikings.

Joe Milton III (2018-20), QB, Dallas Cowboys

Played in one game (Sept. 21), completing 3 of his 5 passes for 41 yards with an interception. 

Jake Moody (2018-22), K, Chicago Bears

Knocked home all 4 of his field goal attempts in a 26-14 win over the New Orleans Saints … Let go by the San Francisco 49ers early in the season but has gone 8-of-9 on field goals in two games since signing with the Bears.

Mike Morris (2019-22), DE, Seattle Seahawks

Tallied 1 tackle in a 27-19 win over the Houston Texans … Taking on a larger role as the season has progressed, Morris has registered 9 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 quarterback hit and a pass breakup on 82 defensive snaps in seven appearances.

Kalel Mullings (2020-24), RB, Tennessee Titans

Played in two games but is currently on injured reserve (ankle).

David Ojabo (2019-21), OLB, Baltimore Ravens

Had a bye … Made 2 tackles in four games.

Olu Oluwatimi (2022), C, Seattle Seahawks

Appeared in two contests this year but not since Sept. 21.

Mike Onwenu (2016-19), OL, New England Patriots

Posted a 58.8 overall PFF grade in a 31-13 triumph over the Tennessee Titans … Started every game and played 438 snaps at right guard for the 5-2 Patriots, grading out at 71.2 on PFF — the best among New England offensive lineman.

Kwity Paye (2017-20), DE, Indianapolis Colts

Had 2 hits on the quarterback in a 38-24 win over the Los Angeles Chargers … Totaled 12 tackles, 4 stops for loss, 6 quarterback hits and 3 sacks in seven games with six starts for the 6-1 Colts … Two of his sacks came in a 31-27 victory over the Arizona Cardinals Oct. 12.

Jabrill Peppers (2014-16), S, Pittsburgh Steelers

 The former Michigan standout posted a tackle in a 33-31 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals … Tallied 8 tackles and 1 fumble recovery in five games with one start.

Cesar Ruiz (2017-19), C/G, New Orleans Saints

Graded out at 68.5 overall on PFF in a 26-14 loss to the Chicago Bears … Missed one game with injury but has started at right guard in all six in which he’s competed for the 1-6 Saints and registered a 51.9 overall PFF grade.

Jon Runyan (2016-19), OG, New York Giants

Had a 58.9 overall PFF grade and 81.5 rating in pass protection with no pressures given up in a 33-32 loss to the Denver Broncos, with the Giants blowing a big lead … Opened all seven tilts for the 2-5 Giants, playing left guard … Owns a 54.0 overall PFF grade.

Mike Sainristil (2019-23), CB, Washington Commanders

The former Michigan national champion made 2 pass breakups and 3 tackles in a 44-22 loss to the Dallas Cowboys … Totaled 35 tackles, 2 interceptions and 6 pass breakups in seven appearances with six starts for the 3-4 Commanders.

Luke Schoonmaker (2018-22), TE, Dallas Cowboys

Didn’t record any statistics in a 44-22 win over division rival Washington .. Played in seven games with two starts, reeling in 5 receptions for 24 yards. 

Mazi Smith (2019-22), DT, Dallas Cowboys

Tallied 1 tackle in a 44-22 win over the Washington Commanders … Competed in four contests, making 2 tackles.

Benjamin St-Juste (2017-18), CB, Los Angeles Chargers

The former Michigan and Minnesota defensive back posted 3 tackles and 2 pass breakups in a 38-24 loss to the Indianapolis Colts … Totaled 14 tackles, 5 pass breakups and 1 interception in seven games with one start … His pick was the first of his career with the Chargers, which began this season, and came in the second half of a 27-21 triumph over the Miami Dolphins Oct. 12.

Josaiah Stewart (2023-24), OLB, Los Angeles Rams

Had his second career sack to go along with 2 tackles and 1 TFL in a 35-7 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars … Posted 8 tackles, 2 TFL, 4 quarterback hits, 2 sacks and 2 pass breakups while coming off the bench in all seven games.

DJ Turner II (2019-22), CB, Cincinnati Bengals

The former Michigan standout registered 1 tackle, 1 interception and 2 pass breakups in a 33-31 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers … Made 16 tackles and 2 interceptions in seven games with six starts … Added 13 pass breakups to lead the NFL by three.

Joshua Uche (2016-19), OLB, Philadelphia Eagles

Had his first sack of the season, 3 tackles, 2 stops for loss and 1 quarterback hit in a 28-22 win over the Minnesota Vikings … Posted 16 tackles, including 2 for loss, while adding 1 sack in seven appearances as a backup for the 5-2 Eagles.

Ben VanSumeren (2018-20), FB, Philadelphia Eagles

Snapped in all seven outings.

William Wagner (2019-24), LS, Cincinnati Bengals

Snapped in all seven outings, including 10 times in a 33-31 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Josh Wallace (2023), CB, Los Angeles Rams

Compiled 4 tackles in seven games, with 2 of them coming in the 35-7 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars in London … Played 23 defensive snaps in that game, the most he’s seen all season.

Roman Wilson (2020-23), WR, Pittsburgh Steelers

The former Michigan wideout experienced his first career multi-reception game, with 2 grabs for 17 yards in a 33-31 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals … Caught 4 passes for 36 yards on 5 targets in six games with one start.

Zak Zinter (2020-23), OG, Cleveland Browns

Made his first appearance of the season and 18th of his two-year career, seeing some time on special teams in a 31-6 win over the Miami Dolphins over the weekend.