2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Mason Graham (DL – Michigan)

FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at Michigan defensive lineman Mason Graham. And check out our entire 2025 NFL Draft Guide.

2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Mason Graham

Mason Graham (DL – Michigan)

6-foot-3 | 320 pounds

Background

A four-star recruit out of Anaheim, CA, Mason Graham played both offensive and defensive line in school. Has a background in wrestling as well. Rotated in for 303 snaps as a freshman, per Pro Football Focus), finishing with a 27-3.0-2.5 line. He then took over a starting role the following season (442 snaps), finishing with a 36-8.0-3.0 line. Has been a little bit more productive in 2024, with a 45-7.0-3.5 line in the regular season.

Positives

Graham is a two-year starter and three-year contributor with escalating output for a major program. Very thickly-built lineman who typically plays on the end of Michigan’s three-man lines, lining up in different techniques, with his style of play probably being best-suited to a three-technique role. Accounting for him is a centerpiece of opposing gameplans; teams give him a lot of attention, with frequent chips and double-teams.

Teams are going to fall in love with Graham’s tough, violent and high-energy style of play; brings it on a snap-to-snap basis, playing hard through the whistle. Has a surprisingly explosive first step for a player as big as he is. Functional strength is very good throughout his body. More of an aggressive disrupter, but can anchor easily at the line of scrimmage when two-gapping. Does a nice job of keeping his shoulders square to the line and locating the football. Scrapes down the line easily.

The Michigan lineman is very active with his hands, with violent power to discard blockers. Can easily ragdoll smaller opponents in one-on-one situations. Draws from a deep well of rush moves, keeping opponents on their toes by varying his approach. Suddenness allows him to regularly cross an opponent’s face. Sets up his rush moves well, with a particularly effective swim and swipe move; also regularly works in a rip move. Flashes a violent spin as well. Alert and light on his feet to seek out and get to clear lanes. Surprisingly fast in pursuit. Gets his hands up to contest passing lanes.

Negatives

A bit shorter than usual for teams considering him as a five-technique end, and it’s possible his length will be closer to average as well. Had a few issues with missed tackles in 2023. As a bigger defensive lineman, Graham rotates off the field a bit more often than other top prospects in the class. Would like to see him work the bull rush a bit more frequently to take advantage of his explosiveness and natural power; much more focused on his swipe, swim, rip, etc.

Summary

One of the most explosive and disruptive defensive linemen who’s come along in the past few years. His excellent first step, violent power, varied rush approach and top-notch motor could make him an early star in the league. Can seemingly do it all, but would probably be best as a defensive tackle in a one-gap scheme, taking advantage of his creativity and penetration skills. In a league that’s investing heavily in the interior of the defensive line, Grham should be among the first picks off the board in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Projection: Round 1

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