Audio By Carbonatix
Most NFL fans and analysts were veery surprised when the Cleveland Browns chose to trade back and draft Mason Graham at No. 5 instead of taking Travis Hunter Jr. at No. 2. Although it is far too early to make a final judgement on the decision, it could prove to be one of the worst decisions in league history.
The 21-year-old defensive lineman’s performance during rookie minicamp raised questions about his conditioning and split the general public more or less down the middle when it comes to his ability.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski is not worried about Mason Graham even though his first weekend of NFL practice was subject to widespread criticism on social media. These next few months could go one of two ways. Either Stefanski is right and the fifth overall pick will get in shape and prove to be a valuable hole-clogger alongside Myles Garrett, or he will immediately flame out as a guy who is simply more mass than talent. Only time will tell.
No matter how things ultimately play out, the first few days of Graham’s pro career were not ideal. He looked far less explosive than the guy next to him during a lateral movement pass rush drill— even though he does seem to move fairly well for someone who weighs 296 pounds.
1st round pick Mason Graham has elite movement skills for a 300+ pounder. #Browns pic.twitter.com/wbnEAdgVvc
— Lance Reisland (Coach Riz) (@LanceReisland) May 10, 2025
The moment that really caused concern took place during the second day of 11-on-11s. Mason Graham vomited in his own help in the middle of a rep.
He looked absolutely exhausted while going through the motions.
A look at #Browns DT Mason Graham at rookie minicamp. pic.twitter.com/HrM8DRJuUf
— Camryn Justice (@camijustice) May 10, 2025
That right there is not at all what you are looking for from a top-five pick. He looked slow and exhausted from just one day of practice in the NFL. Not ideal!
Kevin Stefanski blamed the incident on Cleveland’s cafeteria— but not because the food was spoiled. Rather, the opposite. The wings were so good that Graham apparently ate too many.
— – (@Spicoli_____) May 12, 2025
I am pretty sure the Browns saw all of the criticism from fans on social media. They made what I believe is a very intentional post on the day after the puke.
Mason Graham has a few weeks at home before OTAs and training camp get underway. Conditioning will be his singular focus. If he is not in the gym from sun up to sun down, he is doing it wrong. There is an opportunity for him to show up as a completely different man. Prove the haters wrong!