
Mason Graham 2025 NFL Draft: Michigan DT Scouting Report
Coming out of Michigan, we have an explosive defensive tackle, Mason Graham. In a talented 2025 NFL Draft class, he is one of the more versatile prospects who can play several positions, including OG. Today, we’ll be breaking down his NFL outlook in this scouting report. We will be breaking down his strengths, areas for improvement, and his potential draft grade.
Mason Graham 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report
Mason Graham, a standout defensive tackle from Michigan, has quickly emerged as one of the most disruptive interior linemen in college football. Impressively, he brings a rare combination of explosiveness, strength, and refined technique. Additionally, he consistently makes an impact against both the run and pass game.
Graham’s ability to control blocks, shed linemen, and generate pressure from multiple alignments makes him a valuable asset for any defensive front. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of his strengths, areas to improve, and overall projection as a future NFL prospect.
Strengths
Explosive & Athletic: Quick first step with great burst and lateral agility to disrupt plays early.
Hand Usage & Power: Violent hands to shed blocks; excellent at hand-fighting to control engagements.
Leverage/Strength: Natural low center of gravity with strong leverage to anchor against double teams.
Pass-Rush Potential: Expanding arsenal of moves, including club and swim techniques. Overall, high-upside interior disruptor.
Run Defense: Holds gaps well, is strong at the point of attack, and can shed blocks effectively.
Motor/Competitiveness: Tenacious effort and high-energy play style wear down opponents.
Versatility: Effective from 0-tech to 5-tech. Impressively, fluid in stunts and twists to create pressure from multiple alignments.
Play Recognition: Instinctive with a strong understanding of blocking schemes; excels in diagnosing plays.
Areas for Improvement
Length & Flexibility: Shorter arms limit his ability to control longer blockers. Unfortunately, not elite in his ankle and hip flexibility.
Pad Level/Conditioning: Inconsistent pad level, especially late in games, allowing blockers to gain leverage.
Pass-Rush Development: He is still refining his counter moves. Notably, he leans heavily on bull rush and power moves.
Finishing Plays: Has lapses in letting plays continue rather than finishing tackles.
Conclusion
Overall, Graham possesses elite traits that make him a dominant force in the trenches. However, he still has room for growth, particularly in refining his pass-rush arsenal and improving his pad-level consistency. His high motor, versatility, and natural leverage make him an exciting prospect with a bright future at the next level. If he continues to develop his technique and conditioning, he has the potential to be a game-changing presence in the NFL for years to come.
Round Grade: Round 1
Stats: Per Sports Reference
Season | Team | G | Solo | Ast | TFL | Sk | PD | FR |
2022* | Michigan | 14 | 14 | 13 | 3 | 2.5 | 1 | 0 |
2023* | Michigan | 13 | 23 | 13 | 8 | 3 | 1 | 1 |
2024* | Michigan | 12 | 23 | 22 | 7 | 3.5 | 1 | 0 |
Career | 39 | 60 | 48 | 18 | 9 | 3 | 1 |