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Newsstand: ESPN analysts rave about 'playmaker' Mason Graham, Michigan's top draft prospect

clayton-sayfieby:Clayton Sayfie•02/20/25•

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Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham is one of the NFL Draft’s top prospects and is projected to be picked in the top five. ESPN analysts Booger McFarland and Matt Miller discussed why they’re so high on his abilities on ESPN Wednesday.

“It’s the guy that reminds me of me,” McFarland said. “He’s a little bit lighter, but we played the position the same. Mason Graham out of the University of Michigan.

“And the reason why I love him, he’s a playmaker. We can talk about the arm length maybe not long enough, he may not be big enough. But here’s one thing I know: This young man makes plays. He’s a disruptor. He’s gonna get from A to B, and the first step quickness is there.

“I guarantee you one thing, I’ve never looked at his ankles, but I guarantee you he has thin ankles. And we know thin ankles produce great athletes.”

“He’s gonna be slotted in as a top five pick,” ESPN analyst Matt Miller chimed in on the former Michigan standout. “I look at the New England Patriots at pick No. 4 and the Jacksonville Jaguars at pick No. 5 — two teams that need a three-technique that can be that disruptive.

“His ability to shoot through gaps is tremendous. He’s the best defensive tackle in this class, by the way. He’s my No. 3 overall rated player.

“The way he can get skinny and get through those gaps, the way he can use those skinny ankles to turn the corner, it is tremendous. And he has a motor that runs non-stop, and that’s something that is rare in college football with defensive linemen. He doesn’t take plays off, he doesn’t tap his helmet to go to the sideline very often. He is a true impact player, which is why he will be a true top five pick once we get to Green Bay.”

Fan account ‘Swanky Wolverine’ lists his top 10 most impactful Michigan athletes since 2000, beginning with Aidan Hutchinson at No. 1 and Blake Corum at No. 2.

Burke was on the above list at No. 3, and here’s one of his top plays in a Michigan uniform.

Quote Of The Day

“Michigan is a great school. I love it. The coaching staff is very welcoming. They have a plan for Jordan. When we asked about the defensive scheme, they know exactly how they see him fitting in, his role and how he can support the team. Michigan has a very rich tradition and a fantastic football program. What’s not to like about Michigan? That’s definitely a top priority for us.”
— Mia Thomas, mother of four-star Oradell (N.J.) Bergen Catholic defensive back Jordan Thomas

Headlines Of The Day

• EJ Holland, The Wolverine: Blue Chips: Mother of four-star DB Jordan Thomas talks Michigan, recent visit
• EJ Holland, The Wolverine: Michigan surging for Top 100 RB Javian Osborne after Texas coaching departure: ‘It’s tilted towards the Maize and Blue’
• Ethan McDowell, The Wolverine: Michigan recruiting board reset: Another elite offensive line class?
• Chris Balas, The Wolverine: Defense, intensity … what Michigan needs to do to beat MSU Friday
• Clayton Sayfie, The Wolverine: Michigan basketball: Role for young guards against MSU, being ‘dangerous in the open floor,’ Sam Walters update

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