Browns: Grading the selection of Mason Graham in the 2025 NFL draft
Browns: Grading the selection of Mason Graham in the 2025 NFL draft
The Cleveland Browns have made a significant addition to their defensive front, securing a player poised to amplify the unit's already formidable pass-rushing prowess by landing Michigan's Mason Graham in the 2025 NFL draft.
This article delves into the immediate impact and long-term potential of this acquisition, analyzing how his skills align with the Browns' defensive philosophy, his positional value in today's NFL landscape, and the crucial need he fills on a team in flux.
From dissecting his on-field abilities to evaluating the draft capital expended, we'll explore why this move for the former two-time California heavyweight wrestling champion could be the key to unlocking a truly terrifying defensive force in Cleveland.
The Fit
This move immediately injects a dynamic force into Jim Schwartz's aggressive defensive scheme. Graham, a disruptive three-technique, explodes off the snap with exceptional first-step quickness, promising consistent interior penetration. His rapid read-and-react ability allows him to consistently defeat lateral blocks, while his stout build, impressive leverage, and body control make him a formidable presence at the point of attack, though double teams might push him back. While his shorter arms present a challenge in securing quick pass-rushing victories, his relentless motor compensates, ensuring constant pressure.
Graham's skill set appears tailor-made for our slashing defensive front. Imagine the havoc he, Myles Garrett, and newly acquired free agent Maliek Collins will wreak on opposing offenses, collapsing pockets and disrupting plays in the backfield. And once sophomore defensive tackle Michael Hall Jr. recovers from his late 2024 MCL tear, their front four will become a truly terrifying unit for any opposing quarterback to face.
The Value
How does Graham's positional value stack up against his undeniable talent? According to the consensus of mock draft experts, as compiled by the Mock Draft Database big board, Graham entered the draft cycle as the sixth-ranked player overall. This lofty evaluation shows a glimpse into the player that the Browns are hoping will solidify their defensive front for years to come.
A 2018 study by Pro Football Focus (PFF) highlighted that edge defenders narrowly outperformed their interior counterparts in critical pass-rushing metrics such as time to pressure, expected points added (EPA) lost by the offense, sack conversion rates, and forced fumble frequency. Despite this statistical edge for edge rushers, the fundamental truth remains: generating pressure on the quarterback from any angle is a game-changing asset in today's NFL. The Browns clearly believe Graham possesses the disruptive capabilities to significantly impact opposing offenses from the interior, making him a valuable cornerstone of their defense, regardless of the positional nuances.
The Need
Adding Graham to a formidable unit already featuring perennial Pro Bowler Myles Garrett on the edge, along with the experienced Maliek Collins and Shelby Harris in the interior, injects another high-impact talent into the mix. This bolstered defensive line, which already terrorized opposing quarterbacks to the tune of 41 sacks and 108 quarterback hits in the 2024 season, now boasts even greater potential to disrupt offenses and control the line of scrimmage. Graham's arrival signals a clear intent: the Browns are doubling down on their defensive strength, in hopes that Graham can be a part of a tide that lifts all boats for the defensive unit in 2025 and beyond.
Pick Grade: B+
Per a very reliable source, Myles Garrett wanted to play next to Graham. If it's good enough for Myles, it's good enough for me. Still, moving away from a truly generational prospect like Travis Hunter stings.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
USA Today
11 minutes ago
- USA Today
Ex-Panthers WR Diontae Johnson admits Browns were only team to contact him this offseason
Ex-Panthers WR Diontae Johnson admits Browns were only team to contact him this offseason A former Carolina Panthers wide receiver may be on his last chance in the NFL. Diontae Johnson, now a member of the Cleveland Browns, chatted with reporters from the site of his new team's mandatory minicamp on Wednesday. The 28-year-old and one-time Pro Bowler talked about trying to move on from a tumultuous 2024 season, one where he picked up four different stints with three different teams. "Everybody's gonna have their opinions," stated Johnson, who also admitted that the Browns were the only team to contact him this offseason. "At the end of the day, I'm the only one in that room that really know what be going on. They're entitled to their own opinion. I can only go off of what I know and try to go off of what I put out there, my best effort. Last year's last year, I'm trying to change that narrative and move the right way and keep going." Johnson's campaign began with the Panthers, who acquired him in a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers at the start of the new league year. Then Johnson, despite leading the team in every major receiving stat through eight weeks, was shipped away to the Baltimore Ravens in a deal involving a late-round draft pick swap. The Panthers didn't disclose exactly why they cut ties with Johnson, but their reasoning may have become evident during his stay in Baltimore. After refusing to enter a Week 13 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles, Johnson was suspended and eventually waived by the Ravens. He'd then wind up with the Houston Texans right ahead of their playoff run. Johnson's run there, however, was cut short—as the Texans parted ways with him after he made a scene in the locker room following the team's wild-card round win over the Los Angeles Chargers. His season essentially came to an end when he was claimed by the Ravens a day later. Baltimore, who had no intentions of actually playing Johnson for the remainder of their postseason appearance, picked him up in an effort to improve their compensatory draft pick formula . . . and maybe to stick it to the disgruntled pass catcher. So, after all of that, perhaps Johnson was lucky to have even one team show interest in him. Follow @ThePanthersWire on Twitter/X for more Panthers content.
NBC Sports
13 minutes ago
- NBC Sports
Khalil Mack: Staying with Chargers was less about finances than about winning games
Chargers outside linebacker Khalil Mack says looking for the most lucrative contract offer wasn't his top priority as free agency approached in March. Mack, who stayed with the Chargers on a one-year, $18 million deal, said he thinks there's more he can accomplish with the Chargers and wants to be part of what they're building. 'I had to be fair in the approach to things and not making it about just finances and all the different things,' Mack said, via ESPN. 'I tried to make it more so just about winning ball games.' The Chargers went 11-6 last season in Jim Harbaugh's first year as head coach, and that has Mack thinking about a bright future in Los Angeles. 'Just not wanting to give up on that goal and that ambition that I have ever since I stepped into the league,' Mack said. 'I knew I wanted to play in important games and win a Super Bowl.' For all that he has accomplished in his NFL career, Mack has never experienced winning a playoff game. That's something he thinks he can do with the Chargers, and is one of the reasons he's back for another year.
Yahoo
14 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Top Georgia commit Justice Fitzpatrick shuts down his recruitment
Georgia Bulldogs football cornerback commit Justice Fitzpatrick announced that he will be shutting down his recruitment after recently committing to the University of Georgia. Fitzpatrick was expected to take more visits, but those appear to no longer be happening. Fitzpatrick is highly regarded and is ranked as the 47th-best player in the country. He's the third-best cornerback in the class of 2026 and the fifth-best player in Florida. He's close to being ranked as a five-star recruit. Advertisement His commitment is particularly notable due to his connection to NFL All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, his older brother. This familial link likely played a role, as Georgia head coach Kirby Smart previously recruited and coach Minkah Fitzpatrick at Alabama before taking the Georgia job, which fostered a pre-existing relationship. Fitzpatrick had a scheduled official visit to Ohio State this weekend but Georgia quickly moved to make sure that Fitzpatrick is going to solidified in this recruiting class. Expect him to be one of the core players in this class and help Georgia to secure a top three signing class. Georgia has finished with a top three recruiting class every year since 2017. Although Fitzpatrick is shutting down his recruitment, things are never truly over until early signing day in December. Follow UGAWire on Instagram! This article originally appeared on UGA Wire: Georgia CB commit shuts down his recruitment, won't take more visits
