6 players the Buccaneers should keep an eye on for 2025 NFL Draft
By Brad Smith
Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
As special as Johnson was in 2023, Graham was just as, if not more impactful for the Maize and Blue's defense. At 6’3″ and 318 pounds, Graham defies expectations with his elite explosiveness and lateral agility at his size. Not only is Graham one of the run stuffers at defensive tackle, but he is just as good at pressuring the quarterback in pass protection scenarios.
Playing in 14 games as a true freshman in 2022, Graham logged 27 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, and one pass breakup, while earning Shared Defensive Freshman of the Year honors. Similar to Johnson, Graham took on a larger role in 2023, and didn't disappoint. In 13 games, Graham posted 36 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks and one pass breakup en route to being named to the All-American Second Team and an All-Big Ten selection.
Honestly, Graham's base stats don't do the star defensive tackle justice for just how impactful he was in 2023. Per Pro Football Focus' Max Chadwick, Graham was one of only two interior defensive linemen in the country to finish with top-10 grades as both a pass rusher and run defender, showing just how phenomenal the former four-star recruit was.
With such a demanding physical profile, Graham plays with a strong base and controlled lean, supplementing power and balance. Coupled with a low stable of gravity and a great first step, Graham can succeed against the top offensive linemen in the nation and eventually in the NFL. Add in a non-existent injury profile, and Graham will likely be an undisputed top-ten pick in the draft next April,