Mason Graham is a phenomenal football player, if he weren't he wouldn't have been taken fifth overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. He has great awareness on the field, can fight through blocks, and really get after the quarterback.
However, the story following Graham now that the draft is officially over isn't about his athletic ability, but instead about his character and who he is as a person.
After being selected fifth overall and taking the stage with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Graham was sent to do media sessions and even a few promotional ideas from the NFL. However, after all of that, Graham heard that his Michigan teammate Will Johnson, who was also invited to the draft, was still in the green room and hadn't been drafted yet.
Instead of leaving to go and celebrate with family, Graham was insistent on going back to the green room to sit with Johnson until his name was called. Unfortunately, Johnson fell out of the first round and had to wait till the second round to hear his name called, but Graham stayed true to his Michigan roots and wanted to simply be there for his teammate and friend.
Yes, Mason Graham is disruptive, a big-game player and the best DT in this draft. But #Browns fans, his getting picked 5th overall and then going back into the green room to keep #Michigan teammate Will Johnson company all the way through the end of Round 1 is the cherry on top.
— Aditi Kinkhabwala (@AKinkhabwala) April 25, 2025
Mason Graham and Will Johnson are both big names to watch in the NFL next season
Johnson did end up hearing his name called in the second round as the Arizona Cardinals chose to take a chance on the Michigan kid. The reason for Johnson's slide out of the first round was due to his injury history, and still recovering at this time.
Johnson has already come out and said that he plans to use the slide in the draft as motivation for his NFL career. He knows he his healthy and can go out there and play at a high level in the NFL.
Graham, on the other hand, is ready to make waves on the Browns' defensive line. The young defensive tackle is set to be lining up with one of the best pass rushers in the game, Myles Garrett, who just signed a huge contract with the Browns this offseason after requesting a trade after the conclusion of the 2024 NFL season.
The Browns are looking to bolster their defense, and snagging Graham early in the draft is the way to do it.