Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham has officially declared for the 2024 NFL Draft, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The standout defender will forgo his remaining eligibility, joining what's expected to be a significant exodus of talent from the Wolverines' championship-caliber roster.
Graham's journey at Michigan represents one of college football's great development stories. Arriving in Ann Arbor as a modest three-to-four-star recruit, he transformed into what many consider the best defensive tackle in college football and potentially Michigan's finest ever at the position.
The timing of Graham's announcement reflects the evolving landscape of college football, where draft decisions now come well before the traditional new year timeline. He is expected to skip Michigan's upcoming ReliaQuest Bowl matchup against Alabama on December 31, joining several other wolverines' projected first-round picks likely to sit out the game.
Looking ahead, Michigan's defensive line will undergo significant reconstruction. The Wolverines are expected to turn to a combination of players to fill Graham's considerable shoes, including:
Rayshaun Benny (pending his own draft decision)
Trey Pierce
Ike Iwunnah
Enow Etta
Graham's departure marks the end of a remarkable three-year career that saw him rise from an under-the-radar recruit to a projected first-round NFL draft pick. His development under Michigan's coaching staff serves as a testament to the program's ability to identify and cultivate talent, regardless of initial recruiting rankings.
The announcement comes as college football continues to adapt to a new reality where major personnel decisions, once reserved for after bowl season, now occur well before postseason play begins.
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This story was originally published December 10, 2024, 1:08 PM.