Why Mason Graham Should Be the Raiders First Pick If He’s Available
With the draft a week away The Las Vegas Raiders stand at a pivotal point with the sixth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, and they must seize the opportunity to draft Michigan’s Mason Graham, a defensive tackle who could redefine their defense. The recent Super Bowl, where Jalen Carter and the Eagles’ front four dismantled Patrick Mahomes’ Chiefs, reaffirmed an enduring truth: defense wins championships. Graham, a unanimous All-American with a rare blend of power, agility, and technique, is the ideal candidate to anchor the Raiders’ defensive line and propel them toward contender status in the AFC’s brutal landscape.
Graham’s tape is a masterclass in disruption. At 6’3”, 318 pounds, he combines explosive quickness with a wrestler’s leverage, honed as a two-time Trinity League heavyweight champion. His 2024 stats, 48 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks, barely capture his impact. Against Ohio State and Alabama, Graham dominated, notably earning Rose Bowl Defensive MVP honors with a game-changing overtime tackle. His ability to collapse pockets and plug run lanes makes him a three-down force, perfectly suited for defensive coordinator Patrick Graham’s versatile fronts. Pairing him with Maxx Crosby and a healthy Christian Wilkins would create a nightmare trio, capable of overwhelming even elite quarterbacks like Mahomes, Josh Allen, or Joe Burrow.
The Raiders’ offseason moves, including re-signing Adam Butler and adding Leki Fotu, signal a commitment to the trenches, but Graham elevates this unit to elite status. While quarterback remains a pressing need, the draft’s top signal-callers may be gone by pick six, and reaching for a lesser prospect risks repeating past mistakes. Graham, often compared to Wilkins for his relentless motor, is a “best player available” choice who fills a long-term need, especially with Butler’s limitations against the run. His high floor and All-Pro ceiling ensure immediate impact and durability.
Critics may argue the Raiders should prioritize offense, but a dominant defense sets the foundation for sustained success. The Eagles’ blueprint, building around a ferocious front, proved its worth against Kansas City. Drafting Graham isn’t just a pick; it’s a statement: the Raiders are building a defense to compete with the AFC’s best, now and for the next decade.