Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

Mason Graham Projected No. 5 Draft Pick by Jacksonville Jaguars

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nick Wright | Last updated Jan 27, 2025 4:13 PM ET

Michigan's Mason Graham isn't just leading the Wolverines' historic draft class – he's rewriting the narrative about what makes an elite NFL prospect. As one of four Michigan players projected to go in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Graham's journey from three-star recruit to potential top-5 pick exemplifies the Wolverines' ability to develop young talent.

Echoing this sentiment, NFL.com's Daniel Jeremiah , pointing to Graham's exceptional combination of quickness, balance, and football instincts, sees Graham as one of the safest selections in this year's draft class. According to Jeremiah, the Jacksonville Jaguars, who hold the fifth overall pick, could immediately elevate their defensive front by drafting Graham. Working alongside Travon Walker and Josh Allen, Graham's addition would help to add depth to the Jaguar's pass rush.

Graham's unwavering work ethic turned his early doubters into believers. Born September 2, 2003, he arrived in Ann Arbor as part of Michigan's 2023 class without much fanfare. Michigan defensive line coach Lou Esposito recognized early what others missed: "He's got that drive and desire to prove everybody wrong," Esposito noted before the 2024 season. "That chip on his shoulder makes him even better."

The results speak for themselves. Graham broke out in 2023 with 35 tackles, including 7.5 for loss and three sacks, earning Defensive MVP honors in Michigan's Rose Bowl victory. He followed that with a unanimous All-American campaign in 2024. His success stems partly from an extensive wrestling background, which taught him crucial skills like leverage control and weight transfer that translate perfectly to the defensive line.

Graham's ascent reflects Michigan's broader success in player development. Under Sherrone Moore's leadership, Graham's transformation from overlooked recruit to potential top-5 pick proves that development trumps initial rankings, sending a clear message to NFL teams: betting on a Michigan-made defensive lineman is becoming one of the draft's safest plays.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: