Scouting Report: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan (2025 Draft Class)

Mason Graham is a disruptive force in the trenches with a rare combination of strength, explosiveness, and technique. His ability to dominate against the run and create pressure up the middle makes him a cornerstone for any defensive line. While he needs to refine his pass-rush skills and improve his pad level consistency, Graham’s relentless motor and football IQ make him one of the safest and most impactful defensive prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Vitals:

Height: 6’3″
Weight: 320 lbs
Class: Junior

Strengths:

Elite Power and Anchor: Graham possesses a rare blend of upper and lower body strength, making him a dominant force against the run. He consistently holds his ground at the point of attack and is nearly impossible to move off his spot.

Explosiveness Off the Snap: His first-step quickness is outstanding for a player of his size, allowing him to penetrate the backfield and disrupt plays early. This explosiveness makes him a nightmare for offensive linemen in one-on-one situations.

Hand Usage and Technique: Graham demonstrates advanced hand placement and active usage, shedding blocks with precision and controlling linemen with ease. His ability to stack and shed is a key component of his game.

Versatility: While he primarily excels as a 3-tech or 1-tech defensive tackle, Graham has the strength and mobility to line up in multiple spots along the defensive line, giving coaches flexibility in scheme design.
Motor and Stamina: Graham’s relentless effort on every snap sets him apart. His high motor ensures he remains impactful deep into games, often making plays late in critical moments.

Weaknesses:

Pass-Rush Consistency: While Graham has improved as a pass-rusher, his repertoire of moves remains somewhat limited. He relies heavily on a bull rush and will need to develop more counters to succeed consistently at the next level.

Athletic Ceiling: Though agile for his size, Graham lacks elite lateral quickness, which can limit his effectiveness against quicker offensive linemen in space.
Pad Level: At times, Graham can play too high, especially when fatigued, which allows opponents to gain leverage and neutralize his power.

NFL Comparison: Vita Vea (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

Projection: Top 5 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft