Michigan DT Mason Graham entering NFL draft

Field Level Media|published: Tue 10th December, 10:12 2024

Michigan defensive lineman Mason Graham celebrates after sacking Minnesota quarterback Max Brosmer, in the background, during first-half action between Michigan and Minnesota at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.

Michigan junior defensive tackle Mason Graham officially shifted gears to being preparing for the 2025 NFL Draft.

Graham's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, confirmed the All-American who helped the Wolverines to an undefeated national championship season in 2023 was turning pro. The Rose Bowl MVP in Michigan's win over Alabama, Graham had 45 tackles and 3.5 sacks in 2024.

Field Level Media ranks Graham No. 9 overall in the draft with a skill set that compares to Washington Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne. The Alabama product was the No. 13 pick in the 2018 draft because of his combination of upfield burst, upper-body strength and power in his hands.

Those same traits made Graham a two-time All-Big Ten selection and inspired the label from former Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh that the interior lineman was a "Gift from the Football Gods."

Graham and cornerback Will Johnson, another probable first-round pick in 2025, were among the few returning impact players from the national championship roster after Harbaugh left for the NFL.

In 37 games at Michigan, Graham had 107 total tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 9.0 sacks, three passes defended and one forced fumble.

Harbaugh said in 2023 when Graham returned to play with a ham-sized wrap around his fractured left hand within two weeks that several friends in the NFL were texting him to sing the praises of Graham for his relentless motor and effectiveness on all three downs.

A former wrestler who uses leverage to his advantage, Graham said prior to the 2024 season his greatest individual improvement was evolving technique as a pass rusher.

--Field Level Media

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