Risen Star
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In a position loaded with beefy potential, good things often arrive in pairs when it comes to the defensive line.
A generation ago, Richard Seymour (6-5 ½, 295, 4.94) and Marcus Stroud (6-5 ½, 321, 5.12) left Georgia for the NFL draft: Seymour went No. 6 to New England, Stroud went No. 13 to Jacksonville.
Many sets of defensive tackles from the same university have been drafted high in the same year. A year ago, Texas sent Byron Murphy to Seattle at No. 16 and T’Vondre Sweat to Tennessee at No. 38. The Longhorns are represented this spring by Alfred Collins and Vernon Broughton. If one classifies Jordan Burch as a defensive lineman rather an edge rusher, as was done here, Oregon has three top-notch prospects inside. Ole Miss has more than one big, too.
Much of the pre-draft focus, however, will center on Michigan’s tandem of Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant. They were as responsible as anyone why the Wolverines beat Ohio State in their two seasons as starters and won the national championship in 2023.
“I remember doing Seymour and Stroud out of Georgia in 2000 (actually, 2001) but that’s what it reminds me of with Grant and Graham,” a long-time scout said. “I loved both of them. They’ll both be Day 1 guys. There’s a bunch of ‘em (defensive tackles) but these guys are in a category by themselves. One of them will go top 15 easily. They don’t come along that often. It’s hard to pass on those two guys.
“Then there’s two at Oregon that aren’t as well-known, but they’re really good.”
Michigan has the most victories in college football history but you wouldn’t know it by the NFL careers of its defensive tackles. Only Tom Keating, a fourth-round draft choice by Minnesota in 1964, made the Pro Bowl as a full-fledged defensive tackle (Oakland, 1967, ‘68). The only other Pro Bowl D-tackle from Michigan was Al “Big Ox” Wistert (6-1, 214), a fifth-round pick by Philadelphia in 1943 who made the Pro Bowl as a two-way tackle in 1951 (he did make four All-Pro teams).
Dave Gallagher (1974) and Kevin Brooks (1985) had marginal careers as first-round choices. The Wolverines’ only other first-rounder was Mazi Smith in 2023, who has been a disappointment in Dallas.
Michigan has produced more than its share of successful edge rushers in the NFL — LaMarr Woodley, James Hall, Brandon Graham, Frank Clark, Mike Danna, Rashan Gary, Josh Uche, Kwity Paye and Aidan Hutchinson – but inside is an entirely different matter.
Seymour, with 9 ½ sacks and 34 tackles for loss in a 41-game career for the Bulldogs, went on to make seven Pro Bowls in 12 years en route to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Stroud, with 6 ½ sacks and 19 TFLs in 43 collegiate games, made the Pro Bowl three times in 10 years.
“It’s really, really deep,” one scout said. “There’s a ton of interior guys. I got 12 with starter grades.”
His 40 time was 4.67. Graham was 6-3 ½ and 296 (306 at pro day) with 32-inch arms and 9 1/8 hands. He declined twice this spring to run a 40. “He is insanely overrated,” a second scout said. “He’s got short arms, and that shows up. Inconsistent with his hands. On the ground a lot. Not explosive. The in-line effort’s really good but I thought his pursuit effort was ********. He’s got initial quickness. He’s pretty light on his feet. He’s smart and instinctive. Functional at the point. He’s got strength and balance as a rusher but I didn’t see a wow speed or quickness guy. I’ve seen the guy mentioned as a top-5 (pick). F--k, he’s not that.” Played extensively as a true freshman in 2022 before starting 25 games in 2023-’24. “Love him,” a third scout said. “Tough, quick, physical. He’s a really good interior pass rusher. He’s all football, man. He’s got a chip on his shoulder. He’s got the ideal mindset to be a 3-technique. Those guys don’t grow on trees. Ohio State couldn’t run the football. There’s only one little concern with him: he’s a little bit short-armed.” Finished with 108 tackles (18 for loss), nine sacks and three passes defensed. “I think he’s a top-5 player,” a fourth scout said. “This guy is comparable at his position that (Aidan) Hutchinson was in his (edge rusher).” Four-star recruit from Mission Viejo, Calif. Two-time all-conference wrestler. “He’s from one of those powerhouse high-school programs (Servite) and now Michigan so he’s polished up,” said a fifth scout. “I could see him going in the top 12. Very good with his hands. He’s got the quickness to get down the line. He’s got some pass-rush potential because he’s very active. He always, always hustles. More of a one-gap, get-up-the-field.” Cited a bruised heel for not working out at the combine. Did position drills at pro day. “He’s a former wrestler and that’s what he plays like,” said a sixth scout. “I compared him to the guy at Buffalo, Kyle Williams, who played forever. He’s not really dazzling. Braden Fiske was much more athletic and much more explosive than Mason. I don’t think he’s a difference-maker by any stretch in the league. I like the guy. You know what you’re getting. But top-5 or second pick in the draft? That’s not what he is. He has to wrestle people all the time. Occasionally, he’ll do that little step-through thing that he does but, overall, if he has to lock up with those big guys it’s a fight for him. He’s got to drop that knee down to kind of hang in there. I don’t think by any stretch he’s an Aaron Donald or Chris Jones. But you’ll love to have him.” Had 24 reps on the bench. “Arm length is crucial when it comes to altering the passer,” said a seventh scout. “I think that will come into play. I wasn’t real high on Mazi Smith, either. I have a hard time with Mason. I just don’t see the domination.”
2. WALTER NOLEN, Mississippi (6-3 ½, 300, no 40, 1): Third-year junior. “He’s the best 3-technique — by far,” one scout said. “Tremendous athlete. He’s a little full of ******** but extremely talented. Quick and strong.” Described himself at the combine as a “young Aaron Donald.” At Texas A&M, he started 14 of 22 games in 2022-’23 before starting 13 at Ole Miss last year. Was rated the No. 1 player in the transfer portal. “Sort of like an Albert Haynesworth except not quite as big,” said a second scout. “Taller and longer than Graham. He has shown and flashed everything. All of it. He’s been compared to (Jalen) Carter from Georgia. Carter was just sort of obnoxious in a way. This kid doesn’t say a word. You don’t know what’s on his mind.” Finished with 114 tackles (26 for loss), 11 ½ sacks and four passes defensed. “Not really explosive,” a third scout said. “Gets knocked around. Not very good strength. He’s best trying to get into the gaps but he’s really not explosive doing that. He’ll flash every so often. I question this guy’s desire and overall toughness and physicality. Just one of those flash guys. There’s enough flashes for him to go there (second round).” Played at a high school in Olive Branch, Miss., as a freshman and sophomore. From Olive Branch he was enrolled for a time at IMG Academy but never played. As a junior, he played at St. Benedict at Auburndale in Memphis, Tenn. As a senior, he played at Powell, Tenn., before joining Texas A&M as a five-star recruit. “He’d probably be at the top of the list if you could just not see him between plays, between drills, between meetings,” one scout said. “This kid has been paid at five different schools: three high schools and two colleges. He is a mercenary. He’s probably the biggest mercenary in this whole draft. He has followed the money everywhere but yet is very quiet and shy. You would think totally disinterested. You wouldn’t think he’s hearing a word the coaches are saying to him. But when the ball is snapped, for 4 seconds at a time, he’s really talented, really gifted. He is explosive, good with his hands, gives effort. But between drills, between snaps, he’s on his own program. Some D-line coach is gonna stand on the table and say, ‘Oh, no, I can coach this guy,’ because he’s so talented. Organizational support is probably an understatement.” Arms were just 32 ½, hands were 9 ½.
3. ALFRED COLLINS, Texas (6-5 ½, 332, no 40, 1): Playing behind a covey of NFL draft picks, he started just 12 of 48 games from 2020-’23 before starting all 15 last season. “He’s just a junkyard dog,” one scout said. “He just messes **** up in there. Just a load at the point of attack. He can jolt and snatch people. He takes it (double-team blocks) on. Got some sneaky quickness in the gaps. Plays with balance. Not much range. Not going to do a lot of sexy things. Pass rush? Just let just try to get some big push and use my length to try to mess things up. He’s the type of guy you need to win. Not gonna be a Pro Bowler or 10-sack guy. Just a guy in there wrecking things and being a problem … (Marcus) Stroud was a little more dynamic.” National Honor Society student in high school and earned academic honors at UT. “First round for sure,” a second scout said. “Talented but inconsistent. John Henderson. Wish he were a little more productive. Motor’s up and down. Inconsistent to finish. Technique and discipline in terms of playing upright. Body position at the point was inconsistent. He is powerful. He’s flexible for a tall guy; Henderson was stiff. Other than that, that’s who he reminded me of. Got really strong hands. Quick feet for a big man. Stout at the point. Got pretty good instincts. Good against the bubble. He’s got power rush. More first and second down but he can play on third down.” Finished with 141 tackles (18 for loss), seven sacks and 12 passes defensed, including seven last year. Arms were 34 5/8, hands were 10. “Good, solid player,” a third scout said. “Nothing great. He’ll be a sometime starter.” From Bastrop, Texas.
4. KENNETH GRANT, Michigan (6-3 ½, 330, 5.13, 1-2): Third-year junior. “Reminds me a little bit of Richard Seymour and Kevin Williams, that type of guy,” one scout said. “Because I don’t think he’s a true noseguard the way he runs. More of the bigger 3-technique guy, but he’s so big he kind of creates his own (model) because not many are as big as him and can run like him. He has some pass rush, and I think that will only improve when he understands what is needed from him.” Played sparingly as a true freshman before starting five games in 2023 and 12 in ’24. “I like him better than Graham,” said a second scout. “He has length, push. He’s aggressive. I’d take him over Mazi Smith.” Arms were 33 ½, hands were 10 1/8. “He was way better than Graham,” a third scout said. “Not even close. Some rawness. Not a ton of experience. Pretty smooth movement for a big man. He’s got some inside pass rush. Power rush is really good. Really stout at the point. Hands are a little inconsistent on his pass-rush moves. The arrow is really up.” Finished with 69 tackles (12 for loss), 6 ½ sacks and 10 passes defensed. “Big body that demands double teams,” a fourth scout said. “Plugs up space. He played extremely hard. He’s got good range just due to the effort and playing to the whistle. Long arms to affect the passing lanes. He’s a really good player.” Three-star recruit from Merrillville, Ind. Also started at guard as a prep senior. Threw the shot put in track. “He’s gigantic and all … but I was really disappointed,” a fifth scout said. “Big ol’ dude is just a non-factor. ‘Are you going to make a play at any point?’ Plays upright, gets killed by angle blocks, doesn’t have great feel. I don’t see it. He’s seventh on my list of DTs.” Added a sixth scout: “He’s technically unsound. I can see the conditioning being an issue. If he doesn’t have Graham next to him he probably doesn’t develop to the level he has. You could hit on this guy, but you’ve got to have a really good D-line coach who’s gonna kick his *** and hold him accountable. If you don’t have that, you’re probably going to get a bust.”
A generation ago, Richard Seymour (6-5 ½, 295, 4.94) and Marcus Stroud (6-5 ½, 321, 5.12) left Georgia for the NFL draft: Seymour went No. 6 to New England, Stroud went No. 13 to Jacksonville.
Many sets of defensive tackles from the same university have been drafted high in the same year. A year ago, Texas sent Byron Murphy to Seattle at No. 16 and T’Vondre Sweat to Tennessee at No. 38. The Longhorns are represented this spring by Alfred Collins and Vernon Broughton. If one classifies Jordan Burch as a defensive lineman rather an edge rusher, as was done here, Oregon has three top-notch prospects inside. Ole Miss has more than one big, too.
Much of the pre-draft focus, however, will center on Michigan’s tandem of Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant. They were as responsible as anyone why the Wolverines beat Ohio State in their two seasons as starters and won the national championship in 2023.
“I remember doing Seymour and Stroud out of Georgia in 2000 (actually, 2001) but that’s what it reminds me of with Grant and Graham,” a long-time scout said. “I loved both of them. They’ll both be Day 1 guys. There’s a bunch of ‘em (defensive tackles) but these guys are in a category by themselves. One of them will go top 15 easily. They don’t come along that often. It’s hard to pass on those two guys.
“Then there’s two at Oregon that aren’t as well-known, but they’re really good.”
Michigan has the most victories in college football history but you wouldn’t know it by the NFL careers of its defensive tackles. Only Tom Keating, a fourth-round draft choice by Minnesota in 1964, made the Pro Bowl as a full-fledged defensive tackle (Oakland, 1967, ‘68). The only other Pro Bowl D-tackle from Michigan was Al “Big Ox” Wistert (6-1, 214), a fifth-round pick by Philadelphia in 1943 who made the Pro Bowl as a two-way tackle in 1951 (he did make four All-Pro teams).
Dave Gallagher (1974) and Kevin Brooks (1985) had marginal careers as first-round choices. The Wolverines’ only other first-rounder was Mazi Smith in 2023, who has been a disappointment in Dallas.
Michigan has produced more than its share of successful edge rushers in the NFL — LaMarr Woodley, James Hall, Brandon Graham, Frank Clark, Mike Danna, Rashan Gary, Josh Uche, Kwity Paye and Aidan Hutchinson – but inside is an entirely different matter.
Seymour, with 9 ½ sacks and 34 tackles for loss in a 41-game career for the Bulldogs, went on to make seven Pro Bowls in 12 years en route to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Stroud, with 6 ½ sacks and 19 TFLs in 43 collegiate games, made the Pro Bowl three times in 10 years.
“It’s really, really deep,” one scout said. “There’s a ton of interior guys. I got 12 with starter grades.”
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN
1. MASON GRAHAM, Michigan (6-3 ½, 306, no 40, 1): Third-year junior. “As long as he goes to a 4-3 team that uses the 3-technique as the featured guy he’ll be just fine,” said one scout. “As long as he can get off the ball and disrupt everything. He’s John Randle, any of those 3-techniques. Warren Sapp. Aaron Donald. What was Aaron Donald’s arm length?” In February 2014, the Canton-bound retired Ram went to the combine and measured 6-0 ¾ and 285 with 32 5/8 arms and 9 7/8 hands.His 40 time was 4.67. Graham was 6-3 ½ and 296 (306 at pro day) with 32-inch arms and 9 1/8 hands. He declined twice this spring to run a 40. “He is insanely overrated,” a second scout said. “He’s got short arms, and that shows up. Inconsistent with his hands. On the ground a lot. Not explosive. The in-line effort’s really good but I thought his pursuit effort was ********. He’s got initial quickness. He’s pretty light on his feet. He’s smart and instinctive. Functional at the point. He’s got strength and balance as a rusher but I didn’t see a wow speed or quickness guy. I’ve seen the guy mentioned as a top-5 (pick). F--k, he’s not that.” Played extensively as a true freshman in 2022 before starting 25 games in 2023-’24. “Love him,” a third scout said. “Tough, quick, physical. He’s a really good interior pass rusher. He’s all football, man. He’s got a chip on his shoulder. He’s got the ideal mindset to be a 3-technique. Those guys don’t grow on trees. Ohio State couldn’t run the football. There’s only one little concern with him: he’s a little bit short-armed.” Finished with 108 tackles (18 for loss), nine sacks and three passes defensed. “I think he’s a top-5 player,” a fourth scout said. “This guy is comparable at his position that (Aidan) Hutchinson was in his (edge rusher).” Four-star recruit from Mission Viejo, Calif. Two-time all-conference wrestler. “He’s from one of those powerhouse high-school programs (Servite) and now Michigan so he’s polished up,” said a fifth scout. “I could see him going in the top 12. Very good with his hands. He’s got the quickness to get down the line. He’s got some pass-rush potential because he’s very active. He always, always hustles. More of a one-gap, get-up-the-field.” Cited a bruised heel for not working out at the combine. Did position drills at pro day. “He’s a former wrestler and that’s what he plays like,” said a sixth scout. “I compared him to the guy at Buffalo, Kyle Williams, who played forever. He’s not really dazzling. Braden Fiske was much more athletic and much more explosive than Mason. I don’t think he’s a difference-maker by any stretch in the league. I like the guy. You know what you’re getting. But top-5 or second pick in the draft? That’s not what he is. He has to wrestle people all the time. Occasionally, he’ll do that little step-through thing that he does but, overall, if he has to lock up with those big guys it’s a fight for him. He’s got to drop that knee down to kind of hang in there. I don’t think by any stretch he’s an Aaron Donald or Chris Jones. But you’ll love to have him.” Had 24 reps on the bench. “Arm length is crucial when it comes to altering the passer,” said a seventh scout. “I think that will come into play. I wasn’t real high on Mazi Smith, either. I have a hard time with Mason. I just don’t see the domination.”
2. WALTER NOLEN, Mississippi (6-3 ½, 300, no 40, 1): Third-year junior. “He’s the best 3-technique — by far,” one scout said. “Tremendous athlete. He’s a little full of ******** but extremely talented. Quick and strong.” Described himself at the combine as a “young Aaron Donald.” At Texas A&M, he started 14 of 22 games in 2022-’23 before starting 13 at Ole Miss last year. Was rated the No. 1 player in the transfer portal. “Sort of like an Albert Haynesworth except not quite as big,” said a second scout. “Taller and longer than Graham. He has shown and flashed everything. All of it. He’s been compared to (Jalen) Carter from Georgia. Carter was just sort of obnoxious in a way. This kid doesn’t say a word. You don’t know what’s on his mind.” Finished with 114 tackles (26 for loss), 11 ½ sacks and four passes defensed. “Not really explosive,” a third scout said. “Gets knocked around. Not very good strength. He’s best trying to get into the gaps but he’s really not explosive doing that. He’ll flash every so often. I question this guy’s desire and overall toughness and physicality. Just one of those flash guys. There’s enough flashes for him to go there (second round).” Played at a high school in Olive Branch, Miss., as a freshman and sophomore. From Olive Branch he was enrolled for a time at IMG Academy but never played. As a junior, he played at St. Benedict at Auburndale in Memphis, Tenn. As a senior, he played at Powell, Tenn., before joining Texas A&M as a five-star recruit. “He’d probably be at the top of the list if you could just not see him between plays, between drills, between meetings,” one scout said. “This kid has been paid at five different schools: three high schools and two colleges. He is a mercenary. He’s probably the biggest mercenary in this whole draft. He has followed the money everywhere but yet is very quiet and shy. You would think totally disinterested. You wouldn’t think he’s hearing a word the coaches are saying to him. But when the ball is snapped, for 4 seconds at a time, he’s really talented, really gifted. He is explosive, good with his hands, gives effort. But between drills, between snaps, he’s on his own program. Some D-line coach is gonna stand on the table and say, ‘Oh, no, I can coach this guy,’ because he’s so talented. Organizational support is probably an understatement.” Arms were just 32 ½, hands were 9 ½.
3. ALFRED COLLINS, Texas (6-5 ½, 332, no 40, 1): Playing behind a covey of NFL draft picks, he started just 12 of 48 games from 2020-’23 before starting all 15 last season. “He’s just a junkyard dog,” one scout said. “He just messes **** up in there. Just a load at the point of attack. He can jolt and snatch people. He takes it (double-team blocks) on. Got some sneaky quickness in the gaps. Plays with balance. Not much range. Not going to do a lot of sexy things. Pass rush? Just let just try to get some big push and use my length to try to mess things up. He’s the type of guy you need to win. Not gonna be a Pro Bowler or 10-sack guy. Just a guy in there wrecking things and being a problem … (Marcus) Stroud was a little more dynamic.” National Honor Society student in high school and earned academic honors at UT. “First round for sure,” a second scout said. “Talented but inconsistent. John Henderson. Wish he were a little more productive. Motor’s up and down. Inconsistent to finish. Technique and discipline in terms of playing upright. Body position at the point was inconsistent. He is powerful. He’s flexible for a tall guy; Henderson was stiff. Other than that, that’s who he reminded me of. Got really strong hands. Quick feet for a big man. Stout at the point. Got pretty good instincts. Good against the bubble. He’s got power rush. More first and second down but he can play on third down.” Finished with 141 tackles (18 for loss), seven sacks and 12 passes defensed, including seven last year. Arms were 34 5/8, hands were 10. “Good, solid player,” a third scout said. “Nothing great. He’ll be a sometime starter.” From Bastrop, Texas.
4. KENNETH GRANT, Michigan (6-3 ½, 330, 5.13, 1-2): Third-year junior. “Reminds me a little bit of Richard Seymour and Kevin Williams, that type of guy,” one scout said. “Because I don’t think he’s a true noseguard the way he runs. More of the bigger 3-technique guy, but he’s so big he kind of creates his own (model) because not many are as big as him and can run like him. He has some pass rush, and I think that will only improve when he understands what is needed from him.” Played sparingly as a true freshman before starting five games in 2023 and 12 in ’24. “I like him better than Graham,” said a second scout. “He has length, push. He’s aggressive. I’d take him over Mazi Smith.” Arms were 33 ½, hands were 10 1/8. “He was way better than Graham,” a third scout said. “Not even close. Some rawness. Not a ton of experience. Pretty smooth movement for a big man. He’s got some inside pass rush. Power rush is really good. Really stout at the point. Hands are a little inconsistent on his pass-rush moves. The arrow is really up.” Finished with 69 tackles (12 for loss), 6 ½ sacks and 10 passes defensed. “Big body that demands double teams,” a fourth scout said. “Plugs up space. He played extremely hard. He’s got good range just due to the effort and playing to the whistle. Long arms to affect the passing lanes. He’s a really good player.” Three-star recruit from Merrillville, Ind. Also started at guard as a prep senior. Threw the shot put in track. “He’s gigantic and all … but I was really disappointed,” a fifth scout said. “Big ol’ dude is just a non-factor. ‘Are you going to make a play at any point?’ Plays upright, gets killed by angle blocks, doesn’t have great feel. I don’t see it. He’s seventh on my list of DTs.” Added a sixth scout: “He’s technically unsound. I can see the conditioning being an issue. If he doesn’t have Graham next to him he probably doesn’t develop to the level he has. You could hit on this guy, but you’ve got to have a really good D-line coach who’s gonna kick his *** and hold him accountable. If you don’t have that, you’re probably going to get a bust.”
