BEREA, Ohio — It's been the biggest question all offseason: What were the Browns going to do with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft? On Thursday night, an answer was given. The Browns traded that pick to the Jaguars in a haul that included the No. 5 overall pick, and with it, have selected defensive lineman Mason Graham out of Michigan with that new first-round pick.
The 6'3", 320-pound lineman is a two-time All-Big Ten selection and two-time All-American. Last year with the Wolverines, Graham recorded 46 total tackles, 24 solo, 3.5 sacks and a pass defended.
Graham joins a Browns defensive interior that includes Shelby Harris, Mike Hall Jr., Jowon Briggs, Maliek Collins, and Ralph Holley.
"He's a perfect fit. Really just the way his skillset, the way he gets off the ball, the way he's able to disrupt is exactly what we do now," head coach Kevin Stefanski said. "Just great balance, great ability to be disruptive, make plays in the run game, in the pass game. Those interior rushers are really valuable in the scheme."
The pick, perhaps a bit unexpected as the Browns were looking like favorites to select wide receiver and defensive back combo Travis Hunter, who the Jaguars took with the pick they traded for. Still, he'll bolster a line that defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz describes as the "engine" of the defense. That's something they believe Graham is a perfect fit to do.
"When we say DNA fit, we want players, what we call attack players. So, guys who can use movement, quickness, power to really reestablish the line of scrimmage, get upfield and ultimately rush the passer," general manager Andrew Berry said. "The D-line, they’re the engine of our defense and their job is really just to mess things up at the line of scrimmage. It’s to attack and disrupt. And that’s a perfect fit for both Mason’s physical skill set as well as his competitive personality."
As for Graham, he's ready to make an impact here in Cleveland immediately, with high hopes for his addition to the team.
"I’m going to dominate. Come in and dominate. Make this team better, fit right in the Dawg Pound. Coach [Jim] Schwartz really relies on his front, that’s what I’m going to do. He calls it the engine, and I’m going to be just that for this team. Just what kind of person I am, I’m the team guy. I want to win at all costs, and I want to get Cleveland back on top," Graham said after being selected by the Browns.
Remaining Browns draft picks
- Round 1- No. 5 overall (From Jacksonville): Mason Graham
- Round 2- No. 33 overall
- Round 2- No. 36 overall (From Jacksonville)
- Round 3- No. 67 overall
- Round 3- No. 94 overall
- Round 4- No. 126 overall (From Jacksonville)
- Round 5- No.166 overall
- Round 6- No. 192 overall
