Top 20 NFL Draft Prospects: Mason Graham

Mason Graham comes off as one of the truly special players in this year’s draft class. A three-technique lineman known for his energy, relentless effort, power, and burst, Graham has all the potential needed to succeed as a pro. His explosive first step almost guarantees chaos in the backfield. He makes instant reads and reacts with such speed that he routinely beats lateral blocks and blows up plays before they can develop. In this article, we’ll highlight why this Michigan man is likely to get picked early in the first round of this year’s NFL Draft.

Background

Graham is a 6-foot-3, 296-pound defensive tackle born in Mission Viejo, California. He attended Servite High School where he started on both sides of the ball, holding it down on the defensive line and at offensive tackle. On top of that, he was a standout wrestler during his time there. Graham earned recognition from the Los Angeles Times as the High School Player of the Year in 2021. He was also named All-American by MaxPreps. Rated as a four-star recruit, he first showed interest in Boise State but eventually flipped his commitment to Michigan.

Collegiate Accolades

Graham put on quite a show in his freshman season, earning a spot in the PFF True Freshman All-America team. In his sophomore year, he was named as a Second-team All-American and a First-team All-Big Ten. He participated in the 2024 Rose Bowl where he delivered a four-tackle performance that earned him the Defensive Player of the Game award. In Graham’s junior season, he was named as a finalist for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy. He was also named as a finalist for the prestigious Outland Trophy, an award that was ultimately claimed by Kelvin Banks Jr. Throughout Graham’s three-year college career, he totaled 108 career tackles, 18 tackles for loss, and nine sacks.

Scouting Report Summary

Graham brings nonstop activity, power, and quickness to the game. His quick first step is lethal enough to consistently wreck plays before they start. His background as a standout wrestler shows up in his elite leverage. He holds his ground at the point of attack and wins battles most linemen his size would lose. He’s able to dominate in multiple phases, excelling at absorbing double teams in the run game while also collapsing the pocket on passing downs.

Despite the versatility, strength, and quickness Graham brings, many fear his lack of ideal length limits his ability to gain immediate wins as a pass rusher. However, he compensates with violent, synchronized hands and feet, plus a non-stop motor that fuels his edge-to-edge counters and closing burst. He reads and reacts instantly, beating lateral blocks with ease and maintaining gap integrity while still generating backfield pressure.

There’s room to grow in his pass rush repertoire but the foundation is rock solid. With the versatility to thrive in both one-gap and two-gap systems, and the traits to anchor a front for the next decade, Graham profiles as a high-floor, high-ceiling starter who could be off the board within the top ten picks.

Strengths

High effort: Graham’s relentless effort and determination ensures he impacts every down.

Foot quickness: He is a total disruptor, excellent at cutting off and turning back wide zone runs.

Effective pass-rush setup: Graham sets up his pass-rush moves effectively, keeping blockers off balance and creating opportunities for pressure.

Upper Body Strength: He uses impressive strength to push the pocket and control blockers, enabling him to collapse the pocket and affect the quarterback.

Weaknesses

Below average length: Graham’s arm length could raise questions about his ability to shed blockers at the next level.

Needs to develop a pass-rush plan: Graham must diversify his pass-rush moves and improve his counters to become more unpredictable and harder for blockers to handle.

Bull-rush struggles: Graham doesn’t have the bull rush needed to consistently push guards into the pocket, which holds him back as a pass rusher.

NFL Combine Results

Related Content: Top 20 NFL Draft Prospects: Kelvin Banks Jr.