Berea, Ohio – The Cleveland Browns made a strategic move in the NFL draft by trading down with the Jacksonville Jaguars, shifting from the second overall pick to the fifth. With this move, the Browns selected Mason Graham, a talented defensive tackle from the University of Michigan, to strengthen their defensive line. Graham is praised for his activity, effort, strength, and quickness on the field, making him a valuable addition to the Browns’ defense.
Standing at 6-3 and 220 pounds, Graham will join forces with Mike Hall Jr. and other defensive tackles on the team. Known as the best defensive tackle in his class, Graham’s first-step quickness allows him to disrupt plays from the interior, showing great leverage, body control, and hustle. While he may face challenges against double teams due to his lack of length, Graham compensates with his relentless effort, foot quickness, and edge-to-edge counters.
Experts at The 33rd Team view Graham as a versatile talent who can excel in various defensive schemes, showcasing his ability to win battles with leverage, instincts, and quickness. As a pass rusher, Graham demonstrates a range of techniques to penetrate defenses, with potential for further growth in disrupting opponents’ passing game. His performance metrics at Michigan, including pass-rush and run-defense grades, point to his potential to succeed at the professional level.
Graham’s journey to the NFL spotlights his transition from a linebacker prospect to a standout defender in the trenches, guided by his coach’s advice. Despite his shorter arms posing challenges in disengaging from blockers, Graham’s elite first-step explosiveness, bend, and powerful hands overshadow his weaknesses. With a strong work ethic and competitive drive, Graham is positioned to make an impact as a starter in an upfield defensive front, showcasing his strengths in both pass rush and run defense.
In conclusion, Graham’s selection by the Cleveland Browns reflects a strategic investment in a promising defensive talent with the potential to make significant contributions to the team’s success in the upcoming seasons. His unique skill set, combined with his dedication to improvement, sets him apart as a key player to watch as he embarks on his NFL journey with the Browns.