Why Jaguars took Mason Graham in NFL Wire mock draft; what other options were there?
In our latest NFL Wires mock draft, the Jacksonville Jaguars selected Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham. Let's discuss why that was the pick.
Now, I know, this isn't an original pick by any means. But it makes a ton of sense for the Jaguars.
With that said, I did attempt to trade back. I was looking to move back into that 8-11 range or so because there are other prospects that I like for the Jaguars, including Tetairoa McMillan, Tyler Warren, and Armand Membou, and I would have banked on landing one of them.
However, a deal never materialized that made sense. While I wanted to trade back, I also wasn't going to do so just for the sake of doing so.
So, instead, I went with Graham. Here was my reasoning:
"This pick makes all the sense in the world for the Jaguars, who have to get improved play from their defensive front this season. This was a unit in 2024 that ranked 32nd in ESPN’s pass rush win rate metric and 27th in run stop rate. Graham has proven to be a productive pass rusher and was one of the best interior run defenders in 2024 by PFF’s metrics. When a defense has a strong presence inside, every player on the field benefits."
Following free agency, GM James Gladstone seemed to hint at the idea of investing heavily into the defensive line during the NFL draft, with this year's class being loaded at that position group.
For more on Graham, here is what Lance Zierlein of NFL.com wrote in his scouting report:
"Three-technique who provides activity, effort, strength and quickness. Graham’s first-step quickness makes interior disruption inevitable. He has the instant read and response to regularly beat lateral blocks. He’s stout at the point of attack with great leverage and body control but will lose some ground against double teams. Graham’s lack of length makes it tougher for him to find quick wins as a rusher, but he more than makes up for it with his activity level and foot quickness."
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: NFL mock draft: Why Jaguars picked Mason Graham over other needs
Topics
-
Why Colts addressed OL in latest NFL Wire mock draft
Here is why the Indianapolis Colts addressed the offensive line in the latest NFL Wire mock draft.Yahoo Sports - 5h -
Jaguars pick NFL combine superstar in The Athletic's latest mock draft
In the latest beat writers mock draft from The Athletic, the Jacksonville Jaguars took an NFL combine superstar with the fifth overall pick.Yahoo Sports - 1d -
Jaguars pass on potential top pick, trade down in latest NFL mock draft
In the latest mock draft from NFL .com, the Jaguars pass on the potential top pick and instead trade down.Yahoo Sports - 7h -
Jaguars make obvious pick in post-free agency 2025 NFL mock draft
The Jacksonville Jaguars made the obvious pick in a post-free agency 2025 NFL mock draft.Yahoo Sports - Mar. 14 -
Jaguars' 2025 NFL mock draft roundup after first wave of NFL free agency
After the first wave of NFL free agency and signings, who are the Jaguars taking in the latest 2025 mock drafts?Yahoo Sports - 6d -
Only one quarterback among the top 10 picks of the NFL Wire's updated mock draft
An updated NFL Wire mock draft sees the Cowboys draft a first-round quarterback for the first time since 1989. Rams also address the position.Yahoo Sports - 3h -
Jaguars land potential No. 1 pick in NFL mock draft after early run on QBs
An early run on quarterbacks in a recent mock draft from PFF helped the Jaguars land a potential No. 1 overall pick.Yahoo Sports - 4d -
Shedeur Sanders goes to Deion's former stopping grounds in latest NFL mock draft
Colorado's star quarterback goes to a shocking destination in latest NFL mock draft from Touchdown Wire.Yahoo Sports - 2h -
Seahawks select powerful offensive linemen in latest 2025 NFL mock draft
The Seattle Seahawks select a powerful offensive linemen prospect in this latest 2025 NFL mock draft scenario.Yahoo Sports - 4d
More from Yahoo Sports
-
Ohio State women's basketball vs Montana State in NCAA Tournament first round
It's Ohio State women's basketball vs Montana State in the first round of March Madness. Follow for scores, NCAA Tournament updates from the game.Yahoo Sports - 26m -
Viktor Hovland contending at the Valspar Championship after (another) coaching change
Two weeks ago, Hovland announced a switch back to Grant Waite, insisting he's trying to "get to the bottom" of his slump.Yahoo Sports - 28m -
Auburn basketball vs Creighton: Who has edge in 2025 NCAA Tournament second round?
It’s Auburn Tigers vs. Creighton Blue Jays in the March Madness bracket. Here’s our prediction, pick for the 2025 NCAA Tournament basketball game.Yahoo Sports - 29m -
Georgia Amoore scores 34 points and Kentucky holds off charge by Liberty for 79-78 March Madness win
Georgia Amoore scored 34 points, including three free throws in the final 10 seconds for fourth-seeded Kentucky, which nearly blew a 17-point fourth-quarter lead but held on for a 79-78 victory ...Yahoo Sports - 29m -
Mexican club Leon banned from FIFA Club World Cup
Club Leon from Mexico were incensed Friday after they were banned from the June-July Club World Cup in the United States for violating rules on multi-ownership, FIFA announced Friday. A FIFA ...Yahoo Sports - 33m
More in Sports
-
Ohio State women's basketball vs Montana State in NCAA Tournament first round
It's Ohio State women's basketball vs Montana State in the first round of March Madness. Follow for scores, NCAA Tournament updates from the game.Yahoo Sports - 26m -
Poch after loss: Wearing U.S. shirt 'not enough'
Mauricio Pochettino was left visibly frustrated after the USMNT's shock 1-0 defeat to Panama in the Concacaf Nations League, bluntly telling his players it was not enough to just simply show up in ...ESPN - 26m -
Skenes' 1-of-1 rookie card fetches record $1.11M
Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes' 2024 Topps Chrome Update MLB debut patch autograph card sold for a stunning $1.11 million, including buyer's premium.ESPN - 26m -
Bronny has season-high 17 points in Lakers' loss
Bronny James scored a season-high 17 points on 7-for-10 shooting and added five assists, three rebounds and a block in 30 minutes of playing time against the Bucks.ESPN - 26m -
Wood carded for signing autographs in NZ win
Chris Wood picked up a yellow card for signing autographs and taking pictures with fans during New Zealand's win over Fiji in their World Cup qualifier on Thursday.ESPN - 26m