2025 NFL Draft player profile: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
Photo by Brandon Sloter/Image Of Sport/Getty Images Mason Graham is a twitchy, high-motor upfield three-technique that could instantly elevate the interior of Jacksonville’s defensive line. The NFL Combine is this week, meaning it’s officially draft season. It also means it’s time for a new crop of prospect profiles to get you brushed up on potential targets for the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2025 NFL Draft. First on the docket is Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham. A two-time All-American with the Wolverines, Graham is largely considered the top interior defensive lineman in the draft, which just so happens to be a major position of need for Jacksonville. Top 101 College Football Players from the 2024 Season:#9: Mason Graham, Michigan〽️ 91.1 PFF Grade (1st Among DTs) pic.twitter.com/BGhVlNyXWJ— PFF College (@PFF_College) February 7, 2025 Ahead of what is sure to be an impressive performance at the Combine, let’s get to know Mason Graham as a prospect and analyze his potential fit with the Jaguars. Measurables Height: 6’ 3” Weight: 320 lbs this section will be updated following the NFL Combine Strengths Incredibly fluid athlete for his build Quick feet allow for plus lateral agility Wrestling background shows up in leverage battles (despite length concerns) Instinctual player that can diagnose early If he loses off the snap he has shown he can counter quickly Swim move is extremely quick Excellent run defender Handles double teams well Weaknesses Lacks length through the arms which is evident at times Does not win consistently with power, although there are flashes Production didn’t match the tape Has the occasional rep where he’ll get moved off the line of scrimmage Doesn’t get his hands into passing lanes very often Projection and Fit Mason Graham projects as an every-down penetrating three-technique at the next level. Despite quickness and agility being his bread and butter, Graham still offers plenty of strength, and when you pair that with his relentless style of play it all culminates into a complete player on the interior. On paper, defensive tackle probably isn’t the most glaring need for the Jaguars right now. Arik Armstead and DaVon Hamilton are solid vets and Maason Smith had plenty of flashes in his rookie year. However, Mason Graham has a skillset that could take this unit to a whole new level. His quickness and relentless pursuit would just make everyone else on this talented, yet underperforming, defensive line that much easier. Conclusion The Jaguars were dead last in pressure rate from defensive tackles in 2024. Despite some flashes from rookie Smith, the team needs more juice on their interior. Graham would provide that and then some. His ability to consistently get into the backfield from the defensive tackle position would be such a game-changer for this defense, making the jobs of Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker that much easier. It’s easy to see why Graham is mocked to the Jaguars so often. It just makes too much sense. Grade: 9.2 Big Cat Country NFL Draft Grading Scale 9.5 to 10 – Top-5 lock. Rare attributes both physically and mentally. Clearly the most talented player on the field in college. Game-changing/wrecking projection at the next level. Potential be top-10 at their position right away. 8.5 to 9.4 – Unquestioned first-round prospect. Elite physical and mental profile. Performed consistently at a high level, no matter the competition in college. Expectations to be an immediate impact player. 7.5 to 8.4 – Mixed opinions on first-round projection. Above average physical profile. Considered a great player at respective school but not a household name. Performs admirably against top competition. Potential to be an immediate starter at the next level. 1-2 round pick. 6.5 to 7.4 – Day 2 prospect. Good athlete but can’t match up with the league’s best. Productive collegiate career. Expectation to perform in a rotational role as a rookie. Potential to become a starter over time. 5.5 to 6.4 – Fringe late Day 2/early Day 3 prospect. Admirable athletic profile. More potential than finished product. Lacking necessary measurables at their position but have found ways to win without them. Rotational piece with a role on special teams as well. 4.5 to 5.4– Day 3 prospect. Either a low ceiling athletically or undersized for their position. Potential for red flag of some sort (exp. Injuries, lack of college production, off-field issues etc.). Still provides an element of intrigue when projecting to the next level. Predominately a special teams player. 3.5 to 4.4 – Bottom half of Day 3 prospect. Underwhelming collegiate career (or small school product). Has a singular trait that’s worth a late round swing of the bat. Chance to compete for a roster spot in training camp. Uphill battle to make final 53. 2 to 3.4 - Priority free agent signee. Traits worth exploring. Camp body. 1 to 1.9 – Clearly not of NFL quality. Lacks the necessary athletic,
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Mason Graham is a twitchy, high-motor upfield three-technique that could instantly elevate the interior of Jacksonville’s defensive line.
The NFL Combine is this week, meaning it’s officially draft season. It also means it’s time for a new crop of prospect profiles to get you brushed up on potential targets for the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2025 NFL Draft.
First on the docket is Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham.
A two-time All-American with the Wolverines, Graham is largely considered the top interior defensive lineman in the draft, which just so happens to be a major position of need for Jacksonville.
Top 101 College Football Players from the 2024 Season:
#9: Mason Graham, Michigan
〽️ 91.1 PFF Grade (1st Among DTs) pic.twitter.com/BGhVlNyXWJ— PFF College (@PFF_College) February 7, 2025
Ahead of what is sure to be an impressive performance at the Combine, let’s get to know Mason Graham as a prospect and analyze his potential fit with the Jaguars.
Measurables
Height: 6’ 3”
Weight: 320 lbs
this section will be updated following the NFL Combine
Strengths
- Incredibly fluid athlete for his build
- Quick feet allow for plus lateral agility
- Wrestling background shows up in leverage battles (despite length concerns)
- Instinctual player that can diagnose early
- If he loses off the snap he has shown he can counter quickly
- Swim move is extremely quick
- Excellent run defender
- Handles double teams well
Weaknesses
- Lacks length through the arms which is evident at times
- Does not win consistently with power, although there are flashes
- Production didn’t match the tape
- Has the occasional rep where he’ll get moved off the line of scrimmage
- Doesn’t get his hands into passing lanes very often
Projection and Fit
Mason Graham projects as an every-down penetrating three-technique at the next level. Despite quickness and agility being his bread and butter, Graham still offers plenty of strength, and when you pair that with his relentless style of play it all culminates into a complete player on the interior.
On paper, defensive tackle probably isn’t the most glaring need for the Jaguars right now. Arik Armstead and DaVon Hamilton are solid vets and Maason Smith had plenty of flashes in his rookie year.
However, Mason Graham has a skillset that could take this unit to a whole new level. His quickness and relentless pursuit would just make everyone else on this talented, yet underperforming, defensive line that much easier.
Conclusion
The Jaguars were dead last in pressure rate from defensive tackles in 2024. Despite some flashes from rookie Smith, the team needs more juice on their interior. Graham would provide that and then some.
His ability to consistently get into the backfield from the defensive tackle position would be such a game-changer for this defense, making the jobs of Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker that much easier.
It’s easy to see why Graham is mocked to the Jaguars so often. It just makes too much sense.
