With needs across the roster, the New England Patriots will have plenty of routes to take during the NFL Draft. According to a new report, the Patriots are meeting with a defensive lineman who would be a surprising pick given the status of the Patriots' roster.
According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, the Patriots are set to meet with Michigan Wolverines defensive tackle Mason Graham soon. Graham is also set to meet with the New Orleans Saints.
Defensive tackle Mason Graham is taking pre-draft visits to the #Patriots and the #Saints over the next three days, per source.
Both teams pick in the 10 and will get an up-close look at one of the draft's premier defensive players. pic.twitter.com/XN0SyhhnQ3
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) April 2, 2025
With Graham likely to go within the top ten picks of the first round, the Patriots would be taking Graham with their first-round pick at number four overall.
But the Patriots' offseason moves thus far make this visit much more intriguing. The Patriots signed defensive tackle Milton Williams to a four-year deal worth $104 million and have defensive tackle Christian Barmore coming back from injury in 2025.
The interior defensive line is already a strong room, and adding Graham to that group would be a huge allocation of resources spent on the interior of the defensive line.
With Barmore expected to be ready when the Patriots' offseason programs begin and Williams signed to a massive deal, there isn't a huge need at interior defensive line. Graham would be a solid pick for the Patriots, but it just doesn't make the most sense considering the other needs on the roster.
Graham is coming off an incredible 2024 season. He was Pro Football Focus's highest-graded interior defensive lineman and finished his season with five sacks and 34 pressures. His 2023 season was also great, with 29 pressures and four sacks according to Pro Football Focus.
A rotation of Williams, Barmore, and Graham would be one of the NFL's best interior defensive line groups. However, Graham's interest could mean there is palpable concern surrounding Barmore's health going forward.
Graham's pre-draft visit with the Patriots is a clear sign of interest from New England in the Michigan defensive tackle. With the uncertainty surrounding Barmore's future in New England and the NFL, Graham could easily be the Patriots' first-round selection.
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This story was originally published April 2, 2025 at 12:00 PM.