During the 2025 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns stunned everyone by trading out of their top two pick, trading down with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Jacksonville offered Cleveland an offer they couldn’t turn down, so the Browns took that offer and used the fifth overall pick to take Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham.

Graham, who was a top prospect in both the class and his respective position group, has started to turn the corner after the bye week. It was a debate about whether or not the Browns made the right decision, trading down and selecting a defensive tackle.

Considering how the Cleveland offense is devoid of talent, many believe taking an offensive tackle like Armond Membou or a wide receiver in Tet McMillian. However, it was defensive end Myles Garrett advocated for Graham:

So far, it has paid dividends. In Week 11 against the Baltimore Ravens, Graham had one of his best performances of the year, as he registered 5 pressures, second only to Garrett.

Cleveland’s interior defensive line was an issue last season. Graham has benefitted from playing alongside Maliek Collins, but you can see the progression that the rookie has made. Stout run defender, but it’s clear his pass rush is starting to develop, as it was one of the focal points he needed to improve on going into the draft.

Quickness, speed and burst are what he possesses and his impact can’t be overstated. Make no mistake, the Browns made the right decision drafting Graham with the fifth overall pick and so far it’s paying dividends on the defensive line.