Former Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham went fifth overall to the Cleveland Browns in the first round of the NFL Draft Thursday night. The Browns traded back from No. 2 as the Jacksonville Jaguars moved up to take Heisman winner Travis Hunter. Graham was the first DT off the board, and Penn State EDGE Abdul Carter was the only other defensive lineman to go in the top ten (No. 3).
Mason Graham set to play alongside Myles Garrett for Cleveland Browns
Graham was an unstoppable force at Michigan, especially when he played in the state of Ohio. Against the Buckeyes last season, he set a career-high with seven tackles, while also tying his career-high for solo tackles (five).
Browns general manager Andrew Berry said after the first round that Graham fits what they want to do.
“He is a DNA match for our defense,” Berry said. “Disruptive interior penetrator. I think he can really affect the pocket from inside. High motor player, really physical, really tough. We thought he was one of the more dominant trench prospects in this year’s class.”
Former Detroit Lions head coach Jim Schwartz runs the defense in Cleveland, and the trenches are a key piece of his scheme. Graham will have the opportunity to play next to former Defensive Player of the Year and future hall of famer Myles Garrett.
“I’ve definitely thought about that,” Graham said of playing with Garrett. “(Myles is) one of the best players in the league, and he’s been really dominant, so I’m nothing but grateful to play next to him and build up Cleveland.”
Graham was a two-time All-American at Michigan, including a unanimous selection in 2024. As the No. 5 pick, he is the highest drafted Wolverine since Aidan Hutchinson went second overall to the Lions in 2022.
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