Michigan DT Mason Graham hires an agent and declares for the NFL draft

Mason Graham is turning professional and has hired a leading sports agency to represent him.

The defensive tackle from Michigan has declared for the NFL Draft under Rosenhaus Sports, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Tuesday, and there is an expectation that Graham will hear his name called early.

“We expect Mason to go in the top five picks,” agent Drew Rosenhaus told ESPN. Graham is represented by Rosenhaus and Ryan Matha.

Graham has not publicly confirmed the move, but the two-time All-Big Ten selection was expected to leave after this season. He was a second-team All-American as a sophomore in 2023 and dominated opposing offensive lines over the last two years in Ann Arbor, appearing in 39 games and making 27 starts.

This year on a 7-5 Michigan team, Graham still piled up the stats: 45 tackles, including seven for a loss, 3 1/2 sacks and a pass deflection. Due to his height of 1.80 meters and weight of 140 kilograms, it was difficult to block him, which became a problem for the opponents.

With Graham and fellow defensive tackle Kenneth Grant, Michigan had the third-best rushing defense in the country and allowed opponents just 92.6 yards per game. In a 13:10 surprise win over No. 6 Ohio State, the Buckeyes were able to reach a season-low 77 rushing yards thanks in part to Graham.

This was a long time coming for Graham, who former Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh once called a “gift from the football god.” He played in all 14 games for the Wolverines as a true freshman, starting two of them and quickly developed into an important role.

A native of Mission Viejo, California, Graham was a four-star recruit from Servite High School, where he played offense and defense and was a two-time all-league heavyweight champion in wrestling. He credits his wrestling background with helping him on the field.

In his latest NFL Draft board, ESPN’s Mel Kiper ranked Graham fifth among all 2025 prospects, praising his in-play technique.

“His leverage gives him an advantage at the point of attack, and interior offensive players have issues with his strength and speed,” Kiper wrote. “Graham has strong and active hands and he has proven effective against inside runs and passes.”

The 2025 NFL Draft will take place April 24-26 in Green Bay.

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