Mason Graham

mason graham

university of michigan

height: 6’3” weight: 320lbs class: junior

Mason Graham is a standout defensive tackle whose exceptional career reflects both athletic excellence and a strong work ethic. A two-time All-Big Ten selection, Graham earned First Team honors from coaches in 2023-24 and from media in 2024, while also securing Third Team recognition from the media in 2023. His accolades further include being named an All-American (second team) in 2023 and receiving numerous prestigious nominations, including being a finalist for the Outland Trophy (2024), Nagurski Trophy (2024), and Lott IMPACT Trophy (2024). Additionally, Graham was named the 2023 Rose Bowl Game Defensive MVP after an outstanding performance in the Tournament of Roses.

Ranked #4 in PFF's overall defensive grade (90.0 PFF Grade - 87.8 Run Defense - 84.8 Pass Rush) among all defensive tackles in 2023, Graham elevated his play in 2024, earning the #3 spot with a 90.7 PFF Grade (92.4 Run Defense - 79.5 Pass Rush). He also ranked #1 in Run Defense (92.4) among all defensive linemen in the nation, underscoring his dominance in shutting down opposing offenses. Graham is a consistent performer on and off the field, Graham has appeared in 39 games with 27 starts along the defensive line and earned Academic All-Big Ten honors in 2023. He also shared Defensive Freshman of the Year honors in 2022 and is a two-time letterman (2022-23). Before his college success, Graham was an accomplished wrestler, securing the Trinity League Heavyweight Individual Championship in 2020 and playing a pivotal role in Servite’s Trinity League Team Championship in 2021. His versatility and leadership were evident in his ability to excel in both football and wrestling, showcasing competitive excellence and a relentless drive for success.

Graham’s playing style is defined by his toughness and resilience, often playing through injuries without sacrificing effort or performance. His high motor and relentless pursuit make him a disruptive force on the field, embodying the traits of a legitimate three-down defensive tackle. With exceptional communication skills, Graham excels in aligning with his defensive linemen and linebackers to ensure precise execution of assignments, while embracing the "dirty work" necessary to succeed in key moments. I have a feeling  Mason Graham is going to be an NFL team's cornerstone for their defensive line and is going to be in the league for 15 years.

IN THE PASS GAME

Graham is an explosive pass rusher who excels on stunt plays, where he screams off the line as a looper with impressive quickness and timing. His relentless motor ensures he almost never gives up on a rush, consistently pressuring the offensive linemen to stay engaged to get to the quarterback with his quick feet and explosive burst off the line of scrimmage. He demonstrates the ability to disengage from pass blockers through a combination of active footwork and skillful hand usage. 

With a solid swipe move and spin move already in his arsenal, he has shown flashes of becoming a highly impactful pass rusher. His ability to keep his feet moving and anticipate blocking schemes highlights his potential. Additionally, his savviness in setting up blockers and creating opportunities for teammates on stunts adds valuable versatility to the defensive front.  That said, he can occasionally get caught off balance or knocked down, particularly when facing chips or double-teams. With further refinement of his pass-rush technique and the ability to string together more

hand moves, he has the tools to elevate his game and becomes even more of a disruptive force on every down.

IN the run game

Graham exhibits active and accurate eyes in the backfield, consistently displaying strong awareness and discipline, particularly when defending against read-option plays but also in the run game in general. His assignment-sound approach makes him a dependable presence on the defensive front. He uses his hands effectively to disengage/shed from blocks, demonstrating both the technique and strength necessary to chase down runners and make plays in pursuit. However, as a run defender, he lacks elite power at the point of attack, which can lead to him being moved off his spot or controlled by offensive linemen, especially those with longer arms. Despite these challenges, his effort is unquestionable, as he consistently fights through blocks and works tirelessly to impact plays, embodying a gritty and relentless demeanor. He can disengage with linemen almost whenever he wants because of his shed ability and quickness in his feet and his overall agility can make up for the lack of elite power.

Projection

Mason Graham is a high-floor defensive tackle whose consistency and reliability make him a valuable asset in both the run and pass game. His strong football IQ and assignment discipline allow him to be a disruptive force, regardless of the scheme, making him a versatile fit for any defensive system. A savvy and instinctive player, Graham keeps his eyes locked on the ball and consistently makes effort-driven plays that coaches and teammates will appreciate. While he may not profile as a traditional anchor-type defensive tackle, his elite body control and technical precision more than compensate, enabling him to emerge as a key piece for any defense in need of a dependable and impactful interior presence. Mason Graham is a day one starter and I just believe the high effort he has on the field is because of his high effort off the field. If he continues to trend upward, Graham has the potential to be an All-Pro or Pro Bowl type player in the NFL.

One liner

Mason Graham is a high-floor, versatile defensive tackle with relentless effort, elite body control, and the football IQ to excel in any scheme as a disruptive force in both the run and pass game.