The Cleveland Browns may not be getting much love in early playoff predictions, but their defensive line is generating serious attention.
Much of that excitement stems from draft night when Cleveland made the bold decision to bypass highly touted prospects like Travis Hunter and select Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham with the fifth overall pick.
The rookie has already validated that choice through impressive showings in both training camp and preseason action.
NFL.com’s Dan Parr recently outlined Graham’s potential ceiling, painting an optimistic picture for the former Wolverine.
“Graham wrecks shop from the interior of the defensive line, granting any Browns fans carrying bad feelings about the team’s decision to pass on Travis Hunter an opportunity to let go of their angst. The rookie fuels a bounce-back year for the Cleveland defense,” Parr wrote.
Parr projects Graham to finish his rookie season with 35 tackles, eight tackles for loss, and five sacks.
However, he also noted potential concerns about whether Graham possesses the elite physical tools needed to consistently disrupt NFL offensive lines.
Additional pressure could mount if Cleveland’s offense struggles early in the season.
Graham has displayed the same disruptive presence that made him a standout at Michigan.
He has already made adjustments to his physique, trimming weight while adding muscle mass.
He focuses daily on improving his pad level and technique as he competes with veterans Maliek Collins and Shelby Harris for snaps.
The rookie appears positioned for immediate playing time and could even start alongside Myles Garrett in Week 1.
His combination of strength, quickness, and football intelligence fits perfectly with Cleveland’s plan to revitalize a defensive line that previously lacked interior pass rush.
While some questioned his traditional size, his Michigan tape showed the kind of dominance the Browns hope translates quickly to the NFL.
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