Jan 1, 2024; Pasadena, CA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor (74) blocks Michigan Wolverines defensive lineman Mason Graham (55) during the first half in the 2024 Rose Bowl college football playoff semifinal game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Mason Graham DT Michigan | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
Mason Graham DT Michigan
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
| SUB-POSITION: DT 3-TECH | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Last Updated: 01/10/2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Draft Year: 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 40 time: 5.10 seconds (52%*) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Age: 21.4 DOB: 09/02/2003 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| SUB-POSITION: DT 3-TECH | |
| Last Updated: 01/10/2025 | |
| Draft Year: 2025 | |
| 40 time: 5.10 seconds (52%*) | |
| Age: 21.4 DOB: 09/02/2003 | |
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SHARE THIS PROFILE:
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| Overall Rating: | 89.9 / 100 | |
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| Average rating of opposition Offense player has faced | ||
| Offense Rating: |
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82% |
| Click the links below to view how player ranks vs other prospects. | ||
| Tackling: |
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81% |
| Pass Rush: |
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90% |
| Run Defense: |
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100% |
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DRAFT PROJECTION:
1st - Top 10
Overall Rank:
#6
Position rank:
#1
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| College Games: 38 College Snaps: 1276 | ||
ESPN RATING: 77/100
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247 RATING: 92/100
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RIVALS RATING: 5.9 (97%)
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| Player Comparison* (Similarity level) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Levi Onwuzurike - Washington |
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71% |
| Devonte Wyatt - Georgia |
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68% |
| Phidarian Mathis - Alabama |
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67% |
Draft Profile: Bio
From dominating the Trinity League as a two-way lineman at Servite High School to anchoring Michigan's championship-caliber defense, Mason Graham's trajectory has been nothing short of remarkable. The Anaheim native initially flew under the radar as a three-star ESPN recruit before blossoming into a unanimous All-American at Michigan. Graham's wrestling background – where he claimed two Trinity League heavyweight titles – laid the foundation for his exceptional leverage and hand-fighting abilities that would later become his calling card.Graham wasted no time making his presence felt in Ann Arbor, earning Freshman All-American honors while appearing in all 14 games during Michigan's 2022 campaign. His sophomore season marked a dramatic leap forward, as he racked up 36 tackles and 7.5 TFLs en route to second-team All-American recognition and Rose Bowl Defensive MVP honors. The momentum carried into his junior year where Graham's dominance reached new heights, earning unanimous first-team All-American status while finishing as both an Outland Trophy and Nagurski Trophy finalist.
Beyond the accolades, Graham's impact is best measured in the moments that matter most. His overtime tackle for loss against Alabama in the 2023 Rose Bowl semifinal showcased his clutch gene, while his seven-tackle performance in The Game against Ohio State demonstrated his ability to elevate his play against elite competition. His wrestling pedigree shows up consistently in his pad level and hand placement – skills that separate him from typical power-first defensive tackles.
Scouting Report: Strengths
- Explosive first step paired with wrestling-honed leverage allows him to consistently split double teams and reset the line of scrimmage in the run game
- Shows rare lateral agility for a 320-pounder, displaying the change of direction skills to string out zone runs and chase down screens
- Masterful hand fighter who uses quick, violent strikes to keep offensive linemen off his frame while maintaining leverage at the point of attack
- Exhibits exceptional play recognition, consistently sniffing out screens and maintaining gap discipline against misdirection plays
- Brings a nasty demeanor to the trenches with relentless motor that wears down interior offensive linemen over four quarters
- Advanced understanding of leverage points allows him to anchor against double teams while maintaining his gap responsibilities
- Shows surprising nimbleness when running stunts and twists, displaying coordination that belies his massive frame
- Versatile piece who can align anywhere from 0-tech to 5-tech, creating matchup problems across the defensive front
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
- Height limitations occasionally show up when longer-armed tackles are able to establish first contact and control the engagement
- Can get caught playing too high in his stance when fatigued, allowing offensive linemen to get under his pads
- Pass rush arsenal still developing - relies heavily on bull rush and needs to develop more consistent counter moves
- Sometimes struggles to disengage quickly when offensive linemen are able to latch onto his frame
- Could improve consistency in finishing plays - occasionally allows runners to slip through his grasp in the backfield
Scouting Report: Summary
Graham fits the bill of an immediate impact starter who can anchor a defensive front while providing scheme versatility across multiple techniques. His combination of explosive power and technical refinement makes him an ideal fit for teams employing both one-gap and two-gap principles. What separates Graham from other defensive tackle prospects is his ability to dominate in multiple phases – he's equally adept at eating double teams in the run game as he is collapsing the pocket on passing downs.The film shows a defender who brings more than just raw power to the table. Graham's wrestling background manifests in his sophisticated understanding of leverage and balance, allowing him to win battles that many similarly-sized defenders would lose. His ability to maintain gap integrity while still generating penetration makes him a defensive coordinator's dream. While he may need some refinement in his pass rush technique, his natural gifts and work ethic suggest significant upside in this area.
Graham profiles as a cornerstone defensive piece who can anchor a front seven for the next decade. His floor is remarkably high given his proven ability to dominate against elite competition, while his ceiling suggests All-Pro potential if he can diversify his pass rush arsenal. Expect Graham to hear his name called within the first ten picks of the draft – his combination of production, physical tools, and technical proficiency makes him one of the safest prospects in this class.
Written By:
K.C. Martinez (Big Ten)
How other scouting services rate Mason Graham (Overall Rank)
All Scouts AverageOverall Rank
4.1
All Scouts AveragePosition Rank
1.0
*Percentile Ranking in Player's Position Group (NFL Combine Historical Data): This percentile reflects how a player's specific statistics rank
in comparison to historical performances at the NFL Combine, specifically within their position group. A higher percentile indicates a better performance.
For instance, being in the 90th percentile for a particular stat means the player outperformed 90% of their peers in that category.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.