Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham is leaving for the NFL.
The junior announced Tuesday morning that he will declare for the 2025 NFL Draft. The decision isn’t a huge surprise. Graham has been one of the best defensive players in college football the past two seasons and has played in all 39 of Michigan’s games since arriving in the 2022 class.
Graham played in Michigan’s upset win over Ohio State in the final week of the season. The win was Michigan’s fourth straight over the Buckeyes, with the Wolverines kicking a late field goal for a 13-10 victory before a postgame scrimmage at midfield. Graham had seven saves in the game. His previous career high was six, which he accomplished three times.
Graham finished the 2024 season with 45 tackles, seven tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. For his career, Graham has 108 tackles, 18 tackles for loss and nine sacks.
In the latest Yahoo Sports NFL mock draft, our Nate Tice and Charles McDonald have Graham selected 14th overall by the Dallas Cowboys. He was the second Michigan player taken in the top 15 of this mock draft behind retired cornerback Will Johnson.
Here is what they wrote:
Dallas has been relentless this year and has a pressing need to improve up front and become a stronger team. Graham helps with that and has the potential to be a true enforcer up front, something the Cowboys desperately lack right now.
Graham was a four-star recruit in the class of 2022 according to Rivals. He was the No. 11 defensive tackle in the country and the No. 1 player. 9 in the state of California.
The win over Ohio State moved Michigan to 7-5 after the Wolverines won the national championship at the end of the 2023 season. Michigan is set to play Alabama in the ReliaQuest Bowl in a rematch of their College Football Playoff semifinal from a season ago.