The Browns selected DT Mason Graham with the fifth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Graham played three seasons at Michigan, appearing in 39 career games. Over the course of his collegiate career, Graham recorded 108 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, nine sacks, three passes defensed, one fumble recovery and one forced fumble.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski views Graham as a "perfect fit" for the Browns defensive line.
"Just the way his skill set, the way he gets off the ball, and the way he's able to disrupt is exactly what we do," Stefanski said. "Now, he did that sometimes, maybe not all the time as are some two gapping in Michigan's system, but you saw plenty of times that when he goes, he goes. He has great balance, great ability to be disruptive, and make plays in the run game and in the pass game. Those interior rushers are really valuable in this scheme."
Graham joins a defensive line in Cleveland that features 2023 Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett on the edge, as well as Sam Kamara, Isaiah McGuire, Ogbo Okoronkwo, Julian Okwara, Elerson G. Smith, Cameron Thomas, Joe Tryon-Shoyinka and Alex Wright on the ends. On the interior, Graham joins a unit that consists of Jowon Briggs, Maliek Collins, Mike Hall Jr., Shelby Harris and Ralph Holley.
The Browns added depth to the defensive line during free agency with the signings of Collins, Okwara and Tryon-Shoyinka. Graham's addition to the unit brings depth to a position that is awaiting the return of Hall, who sustained a knee injury in Week 18 of the 2024 season.
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A look at draft night for the Browns No. 5 overall pick DT Mason Graham.
Michigan defensive lineman Mason Graham puts on a hat after being chosen by the Cleveland Browns with the fifth overall pick during the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 24, 2025, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Michigan defensive lineman Mason Graham poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being chosen by the Cleveland Browns with the fifth overall pick during the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 24, 2025, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Michigan defensive lineman Mason Graham walks through the crowd after being chosen by the Cleveland Browns with the fifth overall pick during the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 24, 2025, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)
Michigan defensive lineman Mason Graham poses after being chosen by the Cleveland Browns with the fifth overall pick during the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 24, 2025, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Michigan defensive lineman Mason Graham celebrates with fans after being chosen by the Cleveland Browns with the fifth overall pick during the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 24, 2025, in Green Bay, Wis. (Tyler Kaufman/AP Content Services for the NFL)
Michigan defensive lineman Mason Graham embraces NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being chosen by the Cleveland Browns with the fifth overall pick during the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 24, 2025, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Michigan defensive lineman Mason Graham poses on the carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 24, 2025, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)
Michigan defensive lineman Mason Graham, right, poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being chosen by the Cleveland Browns with the fifth overall pick during the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 24, 2025, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
