The Cleveland Browns were the talk of the 2025 NFL Draft after trading down and selecting Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham. What exactly are the Browns getting in their new defender, and what kind of a player does his tape show?
No team in college football is more familiar with Graham's ability than the Ohio State Buckeyes, who experienced it first-hand three years in a row. The 2024 matchup was one of the best performances of Graham's career, and while he logged only one pressure as a pass-rusher, his run-stopping presence was a crucial factor in the Wolverines' narrow three-point victory.
The Buckeyes averaged over 166 rushing yards per game in 2024, thanks to the two-headed monster of Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson. Michigan held them to just 77, averaging only three yards per carry. Ohio State didn't score at all in the second half, and despite the game being tied for just about the entire final 30 minutes, the Buckeyes' inability to run the ball was a major nail in their coffin, and that was primarily due to Graham's dominance.
Even against one of the best offensive lines in college football, Graham made things look effortless. In the clip below, Graham, as usual, yields no ground to the guard, and is waiting for Howard as he gets to the line of scrimmage. Despite being at a size and length disadvantage, Graham wins the leverage battle, locking out his arms and keeping Tegra Tshabola away from his chest, enabling him to disengage and make the tackle.