The NFL Combine is here and everything looks like a race. The teams are looking for young talents to build their roster while the top players from around the country have gathered in Indianapolis for a series of workouts and meetings with NFL teams. But here’s the twist—not every player is suiting up for the drills. Why? Well, that’s where things turn interesting.

On one side, some players are making headlines after announcing that they’ll not participate in the NFL Combine and will focus on the interview only. Then there is Michigan stud DL Mason Graham, likely a top 5 pick, who will only do the bench press here at the NFL Scouting Combine. Yeah, you read that right. His agent, Ryan Matha, recently broke the news.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Media hit up his official ‘X’ handle and revealed the news. However, Rapport also confirmed that Graham will do the rest of his drills at Michigan’s pro day workout (expected in March). The DT is expected to be one of the top picks in the 2025 NFL draft after having a solid collegiate career for the Michigan Wolverines.

Speaking of his collegiate career, Graham believes that he has already proven himself to the NFL teams. And why not? The guy finished his collegiate career with a 35-6 team record, two Big Ten championships, All-American honors twice, a Rose Bowl MVP, and was a national champion.

And his track record? Well, the DT started 27 games out of the 39 that he played for the Wolverines. The guy recorded 108 career tackles, 18 tackles for a loss and nine sacks. That’s it. A wrap up of his college career and let’s just say it’s well enough for him to say “I mean, I feel like just rolling out Ohio State film, you know, that’s all you need to see really.” 

But we’re yet to find out which team is looking to draft him in April.

Will Mike Vrabel’s Patriots draft Mason Graham?

At this point, there’s no doubt that Abdul Carter of Penn State and Mason Graham of Michigan are two of the top defensive prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. Stop! That’s not the only common thing in them. You see, Carter and Graham have already confirmed that they met Mike Vrabel and the New England Patriots during the NFL Scouting Combine.

As the Patriots have the Number 4 overall pick, both of them are firmly in the conversation with Vrabel and his team ahead of the draft. BUT! Abdul Carter is expected to get drafted within the top 3—unless his injury decides to make a surprise visit. That means Graham is expected to go forward with Vrabel’s Patriots. However, ESPN’s Mike Reiss sees Graham as, “figuring to spark a compelling discussion.” Translation?

Well, Graham’s draft situation will lead to a debate or intrigue—likely because the teams are considering drafting him. And if we believe Reiss’ point, then it’s pretty much certain that Mike Vrabel is strongly considering drafting the defensive tackle with the 4th overall pick.

At the end of the day, it’s safe to say that Mason Graham’s standout collegiate career has definitely caught the attention of Mike Vrabel and his staff. Now as the draft approaches, it’s likely that we’re going to see Graham donning the Patriots’ colors next season.