Michigan DT Mason Graham declares for NFL Draft: Where could he land?

Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham declared for the NFL Draft on Tuesday, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The junior all-american will reportedly sit out of the bowl game as well. Graham will be represented by Drew Rosenhaus and Ryan Matha.

Mason Graham is a zero-weakness player. He does everything well.

Explosive, powerful, tenacious, a disruptive pass rusher who was pushing experienced college OL around as an 18-year old true freshman.

A truly dominant player. https://t.co/6QcTz2KGkR

— Field Yates (@FieldYates) December 10, 2024

Mason Graham Declares for NFL Draft

Graham ended his time as a Wolverine with two Big Ten championships, a rose bowl defensive MVP award and a national championship. His overall record was 35-6, and he was 6-0 against MSU and Ohio State.

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This season Graham posted 46 total tackles (career high), 3.5 sacks (career high) and a pass deflection. Even in a down year for the Wolverines, Graham played a large role in upholding the standard on defense. He ended his career with 108 tackles, nine sacks, three pass deflections and a forced fumble.

Where Could He Land?

As arguably the best defensive player in the draft, Graham is expected to be a top five pick. If the situation is right, he could even be the first name taken off the board, but it will come down to how badly a team needs a quarterback.

The New York Giants (2-11) and the Las Vegas Raiders (2-11) have the best odds to land the No. 1 pick after 14 weeks in the NFL. Both franchises are in dire need of a quarterback, so if they don’t make a move in free agency, they’ll look for one in the draft. 

The New England Patriots (3-10) are projected to pick third, but they need an offensive line for rookie quarterback Drake Maye. The Carolina Panthers (3-10), Cleveland Browns (3-10) and New York Jets (3-10) could all have their eye on Graham. The top five is almost a guarantee, but the No. 1 pick seems unlikely.

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