Predicting Who Will Be 10 Best Defensive Players in NFL in 5 Years | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors

Michigan has produced some stud defensive tackles over the last couple of years, headlined by 2023 first-round pick Mazi Smith and 2024 second-rounder Kris Jenkins Jr. However, Mason Graham might end up being the best of them all.

When watching other Wolverines in preparation for this past April's draft, it was hard not to notice No. 55. Listed at 6-foot-3 and 318 pounds, he has the strength and power that one would expect from someone of that size. However, his movement skills are eye-popping as Graham's quickness and agility resemble a defensive end's more than a defensive tackle's.

"His first step leaves blockers on their heels, which allows him to take advantage immediately," Andrew Harbaugh of Vikings Wire said of the former 4-star recruit. "He is also able to get into the backfield more often than not; when he doesn't, you almost wonder if it's because the defensive scheme calls for him to be conservative."

Graham projects to be the top defensive tackle in this upcoming class and likely would have been the first player at the position selected last April had he been eligible.

The Anaheim, CA native is bigger and has more natural gifts than Byron Murphy II, and was one of two defensive tackles to finish in the top ten as a pass-rusher and run defender in Pro Football Focus' grading system, via PFF's Max Chadwick.

Look for the Michigan product to continue to wreak havoc against Big 10 offensive lines this fall and carry that over into the NFL.

Max Chadwick @MaxChadwickCFB

Some of my favorite Mason Graham highlights from this past season.<br><br>DT1 in what's a loaded position in CFB next year. <br><br>Nearly complete player: Size, agility, power, motor. <br><br>Has a chance to reach Carter/Quinnen levels as a prospect imo. <a href="">@UMichFootball</a> <a href="">