J.J. McCarthy Pushes to Elevate Mason Graham’s Draft Stock After Sherrone Moore’s Defensive Standout Faced Major Snubs

Minnesota Vikings QB, J.J. McCarthy still keeps track of the Michigan Wolverines. So much so that he never misses a chance to endorse the prodigies. This time the Wolverines’ defensive tackle, Mason Graham, just got lucky to hit McCarthy’s compliment jackpot. The 6-foot-three defensive tackle caught the ex-QB’s attention being an ultimate force during the grueling physical drills. He looked incredible during the off-season workout. Like the Michigan alum, the new Wolverines HC, Moore too has high hopes about his defensive force. But even after so much hype and support, Graham gets snubbed in projections.       

Coach such a powerhouse Graham has turned into took aback Javon Gopie. The next thing that the coach did was share the prodigy’s electrifying training stint on social media. He took to Instagram and posted the clip with the caption, “Great work today My G @mason.g.35 My mans is cut from a different cloth and I can’t wait to see you HUNT this season. If College football thought last season was something…. Just watch”. Being a man of fewer words all that McCarthy did was to re-share the video on his IG story. It was enough for the fans to understand what the ex-Wolverines tried to propagate through his actions. 

In the video, Graham is spotted at the peak of his physical energy as he sweeps through a series of workouts. It highlighted how quick he was on his feet and dodged past any blocks that came his way with ultimate ease. In Moore’s squad, Graham has ushered in with himself high expectations as he grabbed the 2023 second-team All-American honors. Meanwhile, his focus has earned him a reputation as one of the top returning defensive linemen nationwide. As he once confessed, “I’ve seen a few things. But I try not to pay too much attention to that. Just keep playing football, the game I love.” Even after all this why does he require the push from McCarthy to uplift his draft stocks? It’s because his selection scenario does not look convincing enough. 

Graham’s hopes outshine his setbacks

The publications have hit the momentum to drop the preseason All-American teams. And guess what? Even though Moore’s Michigan was well represented, like every season, their defensive force Graham experienced a setback when he was not selected as a first-team selection by Water Camp. While luck favored other Wolverines like standout CB Will Johnson and tight end Colston Loveland, the defensive tackle failed to leave a mark in Phil Steele’s team either. 

The announcement named Graham as the second-team member and placed him behind four linemen on the first-team list, which showcased Ohio State defensive tackle, Tyleik Williams. Going by the grades put up by the analytical site, PFF, the defensive tackle ended up with a 90.0 grade. But it’s too early for Graham to give up on his hopes. His forte lies in blowing things up just like he did in overtime against Alabama when the player stuffed the Crimson Tide for a huge loss on second down. 

Maybe McCarthy too is riding on the optimism of how Graham can be essentially a nose tackle and an elite interior pass rusher all at the same time. While some hoped that he would have cracked the 2024 NFL Draft by being the first defensive tackle off the board, all eyes are on the 2025 NFL Draft!