Sometimes, it takes a while to fairly evaluate an NFL trade, especially when it involves draft picks. But very early in the second year, it seems the Cleveland Browns may have pulled off a steal in their 2025 draft-day deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Browns traded down from No. 2 overall to No. 5, with the Jaguars willing to move up to land two-way player Travis Hunter. With the later pick, Cleveland selected defensive tackle Mason Graham.
Entering Week 4 of the 2026 season, analyst Ken Carman is saying that the big trade is already paying off for the Browns, who would not take any of the other top 10 picks over Graham right now.
“Who would you take over Mason Graham right now? We’re a year and three games in. You would take Mason Graham over Cam Ward, Travis Hunter, Abdul Carter, correct? You would take Mason Graham over Will Campbell, correct? Would you take Mason Graham over Ashton Jeanty? Would you take Mason Graham over Armand Membou? Tet McMillan? Right now, if you’re looking at the top 10, arguably No. 1 or No. 2 out of that group. I can make an argument for a couple other guys, but I mean, he’s right there. Right now, it looks like this trade works,” Carman said.
“Who would you take over Mason Graham right now?”
➡️ @KenCarman and @SportsBoyTony revisit the 2026 draft class and debate where Mason Graham ranks after his start with the #Browns.
Who from the class would you take over Graham? pic.twitter.com/LNGrW0os7J
— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) September 28, 2026
Neither Hunter nor Graham excelled as a rookie. Hunter tore his ACL during a late-October practice and missed the rest of the season just as he appeared to be rounding into form, coming off his first 100-yard game as a wide receiver.
Meanwhile, Graham did a lot of the dirty work that allowed Myles Garrett to set the NFL single-season sacks record. The rookie’s stats suffered as a result, as he had just one-half sack, 49 combined tackles, seven tackles for loss, and four quarterback hits playing all 17 games. He does deserve considerable credit for finishing the final weeks of the campaign playing with a broken rib.
So far this season, Graham is more than living up to his draft status, already with 4.0 sacks, 15 combined tackles, six tackles for loss, and five QB hits. He is outperforming the No. 1 overall pick, Tennessee Titans quarterback Ward; the No. 3 choice, New York Giants edge rusher Carter; and New England Patriots offensive lineman Campbell, who was the No. 4 selection.
Graham is arguably the best player from his draft class, ahead of Las Vegas Raiders running back Jeanty (No. 6), New York Jets offensive tackle Membou (No. 7), and Carolina Panthers wide receiver McMillan (No. 8), who was the Offensive Rookie of the Year. Graham’s teammate, linebacker Carson Schwesinger, was the Defensive Rookie of the Year as a second-round pick.
It should be noted that the Browns also received a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft in the trade, which they used on wide receiver KC Concepcion, another huge benefit from the savvy deal.
NEXT: Mason Graham’s Breakout Start Has Him Among NFL’s Leaders
