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This month, MassLive will look at the top four realistic options for the Patriots in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft. Mike Vrabel’s team’s hold the No. 4 pick. If they don’t trade down, these are the most realistic options.
In a draft filled with talented defensive linemen, Graham is the best defensive tackle in this 2025 class. A First-team All-American, he finished with 45 tackles, seven for loss, and 3.5 sacks. Mason, 21, met with the Patriots at the Combine and had a pre-draft visit in New England.
Why the pick makes sense: The Patriots lack elite talent and blue-chip prospects. The best thing they could do in the 2025 NFL Draft is select the best player available at No. 4. Considering that neither Travis Hunter nor Abdul Carter is expected to be available, the Patriots should draft the next best position player.
That’s where Mason comes in.
He profiles as an instant starter on defense and should develop into a pass-rushing interior lineman. His NFL.com comparison is Christian Wilkins. With Graham, the Patriots defensive line would be loaded with him playing next to Milton Williams and Christian Barmore. Imagine trying to run with those three players anchoring the defensive line.
Last year, the Patriots finished last in the NFL in sacks (28). They also struggled against the run, allowing an average of 131.4 yards per game, which was 23rd in the league.
Graham is an aggressive defensive lineman with a non-stop motor. A former wrestler, he’d bring more toughness to the Patriots defense. He also has the versatility to line up all over the defensive line.
By drafting Mason, the Patriots would arguably add the third-best position prospect in this draft. For a team that lacks blue-chip talent, it makes sense for Mike Vrabel to add good players regardless of need.
There’s also uncertainty with Barmore’s availability due to blood clots. Graham would shore up the Patriots defensive tackle depth for the foreseeable future.
Why it doesn’t: Another defensive tackle? Really?
The Patriots signed Williams to a 4-year, $104 million contract. That makes him the highest-paid player in franchise history. Last year, the Patriots signed Barmore to a 4-year, $84 million extension. The Patriots head into this season with two defensive tackles as their highest cap hits.
Should they really draft another interior defensive lineman?
Although Graham profiles as an interior pass rusher, he didn’t exactly do that in college. Last season, he had 3.5 sacks. That marked a collegiate high. He had nine sacks total in three seasons. On top of that, there are size issues. Graham was listed at 320 pounds at Michigan. He weighed in at 296 pounds at the Combine.
Should the Patriots risk the No. 4 pick on an undersized defensive tackle who didn’t get to the quarterback all that much in college?
Graham has drawn lofty comparisons to Wilkins and Aaron Donald. Both players showed more pass-rush ability in college. Wilkins had six sacks his senior year at Clemson. Donald had 11 sacks in his last year at Pittsburgh.
The Patriots still have plenty of roster holes, but defensive tackle isn’t exactly one of them.
The team signed multiple veteran defensive players who should make an immediate impact – Williams, Harold Landry, Carlton Davis, and Robert Spillane. They also added veteran defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga. Drafting another defensive player will only put the Patriots offense behind even more.
The team needs to do what they can to help Drake Maye. Drafting a defensive tackle at No. 4 doesn’t do that.
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Mason Graham, defensive tackle, Michigan
In a draft filled with talented defensive linemen, Graham is the best defensive tackle in this 2025 class. A First-team All-American, he finished with 45 tackles, seven for loss, and 3.5 sacks. Mason, 21, met with the Patriots at the Combine and had a pre-draft visit in New England.
Why the pick makes sense: The Patriots lack elite talent and blue-chip prospects. The best thing they could do in the 2025 NFL Draft is select the best player available at No. 4. Considering that neither Travis Hunter nor Abdul Carter is expected to be available, the Patriots should draft the next best position player.
That’s where Mason comes in.
He profiles as an instant starter on defense and should develop into a pass-rushing interior lineman. His NFL.com comparison is Christian Wilkins. With Graham, the Patriots defensive line would be loaded with him playing next to Milton Williams and Christian Barmore. Imagine trying to run with those three players anchoring the defensive line.
Last year, the Patriots finished last in the NFL in sacks (28). They also struggled against the run, allowing an average of 131.4 yards per game, which was 23rd in the league.
Graham is an aggressive defensive lineman with a non-stop motor. A former wrestler, he’d bring more toughness to the Patriots defense. He also has the versatility to line up all over the defensive line.
By drafting Mason, the Patriots would arguably add the third-best position prospect in this draft. For a team that lacks blue-chip talent, it makes sense for Mike Vrabel to add good players regardless of need.
There’s also uncertainty with Barmore’s availability due to blood clots. Graham would shore up the Patriots defensive tackle depth for the foreseeable future.
- BETTING: Mason Graham is +1200 on bet365 to be the fourth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Our full list of Massachusetts Sportsbook bonuses will help you determine which sportsbook to use.
Why it doesn’t: Another defensive tackle? Really?
The Patriots signed Williams to a 4-year, $104 million contract. That makes him the highest-paid player in franchise history. Last year, the Patriots signed Barmore to a 4-year, $84 million extension. The Patriots head into this season with two defensive tackles as their highest cap hits.
Should they really draft another interior defensive lineman?
Although Graham profiles as an interior pass rusher, he didn’t exactly do that in college. Last season, he had 3.5 sacks. That marked a collegiate high. He had nine sacks total in three seasons. On top of that, there are size issues. Graham was listed at 320 pounds at Michigan. He weighed in at 296 pounds at the Combine.
Should the Patriots risk the No. 4 pick on an undersized defensive tackle who didn’t get to the quarterback all that much in college?
Graham has drawn lofty comparisons to Wilkins and Aaron Donald. Both players showed more pass-rush ability in college. Wilkins had six sacks his senior year at Clemson. Donald had 11 sacks in his last year at Pittsburgh.
The Patriots still have plenty of roster holes, but defensive tackle isn’t exactly one of them.
The team signed multiple veteran defensive players who should make an immediate impact – Williams, Harold Landry, Carlton Davis, and Robert Spillane. They also added veteran defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga. Drafting another defensive player will only put the Patriots offense behind even more.
The team needs to do what they can to help Drake Maye. Drafting a defensive tackle at No. 4 doesn’t do that.
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