Mike Vrabel is set to attend his first NFL Scouting Combine as the head coach of the New England Patriots this week, bringing a clear vision for success: disrupting opposing quarterbacks and improving offensive efficiency.
As the Patriots evaluate talent in Indianapolis, their attention is on the No. 4 overall pick in the upcoming draft. One name that stands out in discussions is Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham.
Is Graham a Fit at No. 4?
If Penn State linebacker Abdul Carter and Colorado’s two-way star Travis Hunter are taken within the top three picks—and the Patriots have doubts about LSU offensive tackle Will Campbell—could they make Graham the first defensive lineman selected in what is considered a deep class?
Michigan’s defensive coordinator Wink Martindale, who has extensive NFL experience and coached Graham last season, believes the young lineman possesses elite skills.
“It’s rare for a 3-technique player to be as productive as [Graham],” Martindale told ESPN. “What stands out the most is how well he uses his hands—better than many NFL players right now. That makes him incredibly difficult to block at the college level.”
Graham posted 46 tackles (24 solo) and 3.5 sacks in 2024, totaling 108 tackles (61 solo) and nine sacks over his three-year career at Michigan. His performance against Ohio State on Nov. 30, where he recorded seven tackles in a 13-10 win, showcased his ability to take over a game.
“He completely dominated that offensive line,” Martindale said. “He wasn’t going to let his team lose that day.”
How Would Graham Fit in New England?
The Patriots have been hoping fifth-year defensive tackle Christian Barmore could be their game-wrecking presence up front. However, Barmore’s battle with blood clots kept him out for most of last season, and even if he returns at full strength in 2025, New England still needs to bolster its defensive front.
With the team finishing last in the NFL in sacks (28) last season, adding a disruptive force like Graham could be a smart move—following a strategy similar to the Super Bowl-winning Philadelphia Eagles, who have prioritized defensive line depth in recent years.
Martindale sees Graham as a versatile player capable of lining up across the defensive front. Whether at 5-technique (head-up on the tackle) or as a shade defender on either side of a guard, he can exploit matchups against weaker offensive linemen.
This is a similar approach to how Vrabel and new defensive coordinator Terrell Williams successfully deployed Jeffery Simmons in Tennessee after selecting him in the first round in 2019.
The Physical & Mental Makeup
Standing 6-foot-3 and 320 pounds, Graham plays with elite leverage and balance, traits that scouts credit to his wrestling background. However, one potential challenge at the next level will be adjusting to the size of NFL offensive linemen.
“In college, guards are around 300 to 305 pounds,” Martindale explained. “In the NFL, they’re 340 to 355. That’ll be an adjustment—especially in the run game when dealing with double-teams.”
Beyond his physical traits, Graham has also impressed coaches with his intelligence and dedication.
“He’s a smart player who understands the system inside and out,” Martindale said. “He’s engaged on the sideline, offering input—sometimes great, sometimes not—but always focused on helping the team.”
As the NFL Combine kicks off this week, Graham will have the opportunity to solidify his status as a top prospect, and the Patriots will be watching closely to see if he fits into their long-term plans.
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