Wolverine Digest

Michigan's Mason Graham emerges as the 2025 NFL Draft's safest bet

Graham's tape and work ethic have placed him near the top of almost every mock draft so far
Jerred Johnson|
Feb 26, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan defensive lineman Mason Graham (DL11) during the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Feb 26, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan defensive lineman Mason Graham (DL11) during the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Nothing is ever guaranteed in the NFL Draft, we all remember cannot miss prospects like Jamarcus Russell or Michigan State receiver Charles Rogers. Those two players went No. 1 and No. 2 respectively and just never found their footing in the NFL. As much as it is a disappointment for the player, missing on a high first round draft pick can set a football team back years.

Top ten picks are expected to compete for playing time in year one and, at a minimum, be solidly in the rotation in year two. A swing and a miss on a player that high in the draft costs a program, that is generally in a rebuild, time and money. First round picks get bonuses and guaranteed money, two things you do not get back when a pick fails to reach expectations. Knowing all of this, PFF analyst Max Chadwick recently labeled Michigan's Mason Graham as the safest pick in this year's draft class.

"Mason Graham is about as safe of a bet as there is in this draft class."
Max Chadwick

Graham has been projected as a top 5 pick in most mock drafts, a testament to his game tape at the University of Michigan. Graham was borderline unstoppable at times and always seemed to show out when the lights were the brightest. When asked about what teams should know about him if they were considering drafting him, he simply stated "Go watch the Ohio State tape." Saying a 21-year-old college kid is basically a lock to reach his NFL potential is a bold move, but based on Graham's track record and work ethic it seems like a viable risk.

Mason
CAROLINA PANTHERS: Michigan defensive lineman Mason Graham celebrates after sacking Minnesota quarterback Max Brosmer, in the background, during first-half action between Michigan and Minnesota at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. | Eric Seals / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

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Wink Martindale talks Michigan football's defensive line post Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant

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Jerred Johnson
JERRED JOHNSON

Jerred Johnson has served in the United States military for over 23 years. He has a Bachelors in Marketing, a Masters in Management and is in the final phases of completing his Doctorate in Business Administration.

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