Earlier this year, the Jacksonville Jaguars were linked to defensive tackle Mason Graham. Given the perceived need at the position, taking him at No. 5 made sense. But as the NFL inched closer, running back Asthon Jeanty supplanted him as the favorite. The Jags ultimately passed on both and ended up trading up to No. 2 to select two-way star Travis Hunter. It may be a little early to truly assess the decision, but it looks like they might've dodged a bullet based on a recent incident.
Like Jacksonville, the Cleveland Browns were hosting rookie minicamp. But unlike Hunter, Graham made headlines for the wrong reasons.
First, Camryn Justice of Cleveland 5 Cleveland posted a clip where Graham fails to keep his balance and trips in a drill.
A look at #Browns DT Mason Graham at rookie minicamp. pic.twitter.com/HrM8DRJuUf
— Camryn Justice (@camijustice) May 10, 2025
Granted, it's just one rep, one that won't define his NFL career. But that was just the beginning. Mary Kay Cabot reported that the former Michigan Wolverine vomited during 11-on-11s on Day 2 of rookie minicamp.
#Browns No. 5 pick Mason Graham vomited during 11 on 11s on Day 2 of rookie minicamp and ran off the field. He had to rinse off his helmet. Photo by Joshua Gunter of Clevelanddotcom: pic.twitter.com/6rjkIoZKVe
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) May 10, 2025
All things considered, that's not the way Graham would've wanted to start his NFL career. Sure, it's just rookie minicamp, and there's still plenty of time before the regular season. That said, Hunter is already stealing the spotlight in rookie minicamp and turning every rep into a highlight reel.
The Jaguars made the right call to pass on Mason Graham to draft Travis Hunter
Mason Graham was the top defensive tackle prospect in this year's draft due to his strength and athleticism to play the position. However, his lack of ideal arm strength was a red flag. Similarly, a look at his collegiate tape showed a player who didn't have nearly as much of an impact at the line of scrimmage, at least according to those who followed him closely. Not surprisingly, chatter about the Jacksonville Jaguars potentially taking the Mission Viejo, California native decreased in early April.
It's also worth noting that the Jags didn't add a single defensive tackle in the draft, so perhaps it wasn't the need it appeared to be (guilty as charged). It was also a vote of confidence in their current group. Maason Smith finished his rookie season strong and is poised to make a leap in Year 2. On top of that, veteran Arik Armstead will be lining up inside in 2025 after mostly playing defensive end last year. It could also be a sign that DaVon Hamilton is safer than originally thought.
Either way, the Jags didn't think they needed to make upgrades at defensive tackle, at least not in the draft. And while Mason Graham could turn out the be a game-changer in the NFL, their decision to pass on him seems like the right one, especially in light of the spotlight Travis Hunter is getting.
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