Joel Klatt mocks Mason Graham to New York Jets at No. 7 overall

Two defensive prospects appear to stand out above the rest in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft. One of them is Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham, making a name for himself during the Wolverines’ national championship run. Even as the program took a step back this past season, Graham flashed and caught the eyes of talent evaluators.

Going inside the top 10 appears likely for Graham and FOX’s Joel Klatt has the New York Jets selecting him at No. 7 overall. The praise could not be higher from Klatt. Both the skills he possesses and then watching them translate on film, it’s nothing but positive marks on Graham.

“This guy’s tape is unreal,” Klatt said. “It’s exceptional. He’s a block destructor, he’s quick, he rushes the quarterback, he stops the run, he does it all. He’s the best defensive tackle in the draft and I believe the Jets would get much better defensively in they got Mason Graham.”

Picking up quality players inside the top 10 is almost expected in the draft. In Klatt’s opinion, having them be on the line of scrimmage is a massive benefit. He looks at recent trends, both in college football and the NFL, citing teams having success due to play up front.

Getting somebody like Graham is going to make the entire defensive roster better. No better way to shut down an opposing quarterback, even the likes of Patrick Mahomes, than getting pressure.

“How much does a great pass rush help your secondary? Let’s just look at what the Eagles did to the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl. It’s very clear. You look at what Michigan has built themselves on at being great on the defensive side. (Graham) was a huge part, if not the main part of a defense that went 15-0 and won a national championship a couple years ago. I really love Mason Graham. I think he fits perfectly for a team that might be trying to rebuild its identity.”

Having a pick inside the top 15 is nothing new for New York. And neither is taking a player on the defensive line. Will McDonald was the selection in 2023 and the year prior, Jermaine Johnson was taken at No. 26 overall. While both are considered EDGEs, there is a solid core there.

Adding Graham would only add to the talent pool, potentially even having the rookie rise to the top.