Browns select Mason Graham after trading down to No. 5

The Cleveland Browns selected Michigan defensive lineman Mason Graham in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, fifth overall.

Cleveland added Graham after trading the No. 2 pick to the Jacksonville Jaguars for a massive haul that includes a 2026 first-round pick.

The 21-year-old joins a defensive line that includes star edge rusher Myles Garrett. Cleveland's defense only had one player outside of Garrett with five-plus sacks in 2024.

Pre-draft profile

Graham is a blue-chip talent who seems like one of the safest picks in this draft. The Michigan standout is an impressive athlete who brings some legitimate pass-rush juice to the interior defensive line. His first-step quickness immediately puts opposing linemen at a disadvantage, and he's got a wide array of pass-rush moves to turn to from there. His heavy hands and lightning-quick lateral agility allow for some instant wins on the way to the quarterback. And he's not merely a finesse rusher, either. Graham can also convert speed to power and collapse the pocket with an overwhelming bull rush. Just as important as the pass-rush arsenal itself, he's shown an advanced feel for putting it all together. The power doesn't quite show up as consistently as a run defender, as his size and length can occasionally give him trouble dropping the anchor. But his instincts, motor, and ability to defeat blocks with quickness should still allow him to be a productive player in that regard. Graham is a game-wrecker with Pro Bowl potential.