When this season began, many Cleveland Browns fans were concerned that the team’s defense would take a step back. After all, the unit was no longer being led by its former defensive coordinator, Jim Schwartz, and he was a focal part of their plans.
But after three games featuring two wins, it looks like there is still a lot of life left with the team’s defense. One player, who had an up-and-down rookie season, is already doing great stuff so far in 2026. Mason Graham has been special and is currently in the running for the most sacks this year.
He has racked up four sacks.
“Most sacks this season: Greg Rousseau 6.0, Mason Graham 4.0, Will Anderson Jr 4.0, Aidan Hutchinson 3.5, T.J. Watt 3.5,” PFF said.
Most sacks this season
Greg Rousseau 6.0
Mason Graham 4.0
Will Anderson Jr 4.0
Aidan Hutchinson 3.5
T.J. Watt 3.5 pic.twitter.com/Cnbj2c0480— PFF (@PFF) September 27, 2026
Graham was the fifth overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft. His first season wasn’t as great as many people expected, although he did seem to heat up toward the end of it. The hope was that he would continue to build upon that success from the start of 2026. It seems like that is exactly what he is doing.
The Browns lost a massively important part of their defense in the offseason. Not only did Schwartz walk away from the organization, but they also lost Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams. That means that other players are being required to step up. Four sacks so far is a great sign from Graham that he has received that message and is trying his hardest to fill the void left by Garrett.
To many, the Browns have gotten off to a better-than-expected start. Their wins haven’t been without challenges, but they are showing that there are plenty of promising players up and down the roster, including some young ones who could be there for years.
Graham is off to a banner start so far, and fans are hoping that he keeps it up.
NEXT: 2 Browns Players Deserve Credit For Sunday's Win
