Michigan DT Mason Graham Declares for NFL Draft
Michigan Star Mason Graham Declares for NFL Draft
Ann Arbor, MI – Defensive tackle Mason Graham, a dominant force in the heart of Michigan’s defense for the past three seasons, has announced his decision to enter the 2025 NFL Draft.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter broke the news Tuesday, citing Graham’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus. While Graham hasn’t confirmed whether he’ll play in michigan’s upcoming ReliaQuest Bowl matchup against Alabama, Wolverines coach Sherrone Moore acknowledged that some draft-eligible players might choose to focus on preparing for the NFL.
“He’s an absolute animal,” Moore said last month. “I wish I could convince him to stay another year, but we probably know that’s not going to happen. You talk about an unbelievable kid, an incredible player, a force. He gives you everything he has on every single play. He’s going to be an outstanding pro.”
Graham, a three-year starter, was instrumental in Michigan’s run to the national championship in 2023. The 6-foot-3, 320-pound tackle is widely projected as a top-10 pick, currently ranked No. 3 in The Athletic‘s latest mock draft by Dane Brugler.
Graham’s junior season saw him rack up 45 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks. He capped off the year with a stellar performance in Michigan’s thrilling 13-10 upset victory over rival Ohio State.
From Under-the-Radar Recruit to NFL Prospect
Despite not being a highly touted recruit out of Servite High School in Anaheim, California, Graham quickly made his mark at michigan. He earned a starting spot as a freshman and became a key contributor to the Wolverines’ Big Ten championship teams in 2022 and 2023.
Even with Michigan finishing 7-5 in 2024, Graham continued his dominant play, earning first-team All-Big Ten honors.
Dane Brugler’s Scouting Report
The Athletic‘s Dane Brugler, who has closely followed Graham’s development, offers this insightful analysis:
“Though he later climbed in the rankings, Graham wasn’t a highly touted recruit when he committed to Michigan… Graham cracked Michigan’s starting lineup as a freshman and became a pivotal player on Michigan’s Big Ten championship teams in 2022 and 2023.
“Last year, I spent countless hours studying Michigan tape because of all the draft-eligible prospects on the title-winning team. But it was No. 55, then just a sophomore, who drew my eye more than anyone else. He kept popping on the screen.
“Graham was again the best player on the Wolverines’ defense in 2024 and cemented himself as one of the best players in the 2025 draft class. He isn’t without his faults — his arms are shorter than ideal, and his pass rushing is based more on energy than nuanced variety. but Graham, a state champion wrestler in high school, consistently wins with leverage, angles and explosiveness to break down blocks and affect the backfield.
“He has one of the highest floors in this draft class, along with Pro Bowl potential, which is why he won’t get out of the top 10.”
(Photo: Gregory Shamus / getty Images)
Michigan Star Mason Graham Declares for NFL Draft
Ann Arbor, MI – Defensive tackle Mason Graham, a dominant force in the heart of Michigan’s defense for the past three seasons, has announced his decision to enter the 2025 NFL Draft.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter broke the news Tuesday, citing Graham’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus. While Graham hasn’t confirmed whether he’ll play in michigan’s upcoming reliaquest Bowl matchup against Alabama, Wolverines coach Sherrone Moore acknowledged that some draft-eligible players might choose to focus on preparing for the NFL.
“He’s an absolute animal,” Moore said last month.”I wish I could convince him to stay another year, but we probably know that’s not going to happen. You talk about an astounding kid, an incredible player, a force. he gives you everything he has on every single play. He’s going to be an outstanding pro.”
Graham,a three-year starter,was instrumental in Michigan’s run to the national championship in 2023.The 6-foot-3, 320-pound tackle is widely projected as a top-10 pick, currently ranked no. 3 in The athletic‘s latest mock draft by Dane Brugler.
Graham’s junior season saw him rack up 45 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks. He capped off the year with a stellar performance in Michigan’s thrilling 13-10 upset victory over rival Ohio State.
From Under-the-Radar Recruit to NFL Prospect
Despite not being a highly touted recruit out of Servite High school in Anaheim, California, Graham quickly made his mark at michigan. He earned a starting spot as a freshman and became a key contributor to the Wolverines’ Big Ten championship teams in 2022 and 2023.
Even with Michigan finishing 7-5 in 2024, Graham continued his dominant play, earning first-team All-big Ten honors.
Dane Brugler’s Scouting Report
The Athletic‘s Dane Brugler, who has closely followed Graham’s advancement, offers this insightful analysis:
“Though he later climbed in the rankings, Graham wasn’t a highly touted recruit when he committed to Michigan… Graham cracked michigan’s starting lineup as a freshman and became a pivotal player on Michigan’s Big Ten championship teams in 2022 and 2023.
“Last year, I spent countless hours studying michigan tape because of all the draft-eligible prospects on the title-winning team. But it was No. 55, then just a sophomore, who drew my eye more than anyone else. He kept popping on the screen.
“Graham was again the best player on the Wolverines’ defense in 2024 and cemented himself as one of the best players in the 2025 draft class. He isn’t without his faults — his arms are shorter than ideal, and his pass rushing is based more on energy than nuanced variety. but Graham, a state champion wrestler in high school, consistently wins with leverage, angles and explosiveness to break down blocks and affect the backfield.
“he has one of the highest floors in this draft class, along with Pro Bowl potential, wich is why he won’t get out of the top 10.”
(Photo: Gregory shamus / getty Images).