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Summer Scouting Series: Football Scout 365 Analyst Brandon Lundberg shares his initial insights on key draft-eligible college football players in anticipation of the 2024 college football season.
Mason Graham Overview
Mason Graham has emerged as one of the premier defensive tackles in college football. Playing on a stacked Michigan Wolverines defensive unit, the 6’3”, 318-pound standout has become a cornerstone of the Wolverines' defense. Originally from Anaheim, California, Graham was a four-star recruit out of Servite High School, where he played alongside future NFL prospects like Noah Fifita and Tetairoa McMillan. Despite being lightly recruited, Michigan recognized his talent early and brought him to Ann Arbor, where he has since blossomed into a dominant force.
In 2023, Graham recorded 3 sacks and 7.5 tackles for loss, earning First-Team All-Big Ten honors and helping Michigan secure a College Football Playoff berth. His ability to disrupt both the run and pass game has made him one of the most feared defensive tackles in the nation. As he enters his junior year, Graham is poised to be one of Michigan’s first selections in the 2025 NFL Draft, potentially contending for the number one overall pick in the draft.
Measurables
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 318 pounds
2023 Stats: 3 sacks, 7.5 TFL, 42 total tackles
Ceiling Potential: Elite Starter Potential
Playstyle & Scheme Fit
Graham primarily operates as an interior defensive lineman, excelling as a 3-technique in even fronts but also offering the versatility to play across multiple alignments. His quick first step and lateral agility make him a constant threat to penetrate gaps and disrupt plays. Graham’s ability to generate pressure and hold up against the run makes him an ideal fit for both one-gap and two-gap schemes.
Player Comparisons
Mason Graham’s blend of explosiveness, power, and evolving hand technique has led to comparisons with Aaron Donald. Like Donald, Graham can collapse the pocket with his strength while displaying the elite quickness that frequently demands double teams from opponents. His versatility across multiple positions along the defensive line, combined with his relentless motor, mirrors Donald's game-changing impact and adaptability.
Where He Excels
Graham combines an explosive first step with excellent lateral agility, allowing him to penetrate gaps and create havoc in the backfield. His hand usage is among the best in college football, as he consistently defeats blocks with quick and powerful swipes, rips, and push-pulls. Graham’s ability to stack and shed blockers makes him a formidable run defender, and his relentless motor ensures that he’s always in pursuit of the ball carrier. His versatility allows him to be effective in various defensive schemes and alignments, making him a valuable chess piece on the defensive line.
Strengths
High-ceiling pass-rush upside
Strength and body control at the point of attack
Efficient hand fighter to deconstruct blocks
Improvement Areas
Looking ahead to the 2024 season, Graham needs to work on improving his flexibility and hand usage. Enhancing his ability to bend around blocks and maintaining his balance after first contact will be crucial. Additionally, Graham must refine his ability to hold up against lateral duo blocks in the zone game, as his momentum can occasionally be used against him.
Weaknesses
Adequate arm length
Rotational hip flexibility
Ankle flexion
Advanced-Data and Statistics
In 2023, Graham earned an 85.1 overall PFF grade, including an 83.3 run-defense grade and a 79.0 pass-rush grade. His ability to create havoc in the backfield went beyond his ability to pressure the QB in 2023, as he recorded 45 defensive stops as a run defender. Graham was one of only two interior defensive linemen in the country to finish with top-10 grades as both a pass rusher and run defender, further solidifying his reputation as a disruptive presence on Michigan's defensive line.
NFL Draft Projection
Mason Graham projects as an early first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. With his combination of strength, agility, and relentless motor, he has the potential to become a cornerstone player on an NFL defensive line. Continuing to refine his technique and improving consistency will be key to reaching his full potential as an elite defensive tackle in the league.
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